Mr. Robert Frederick Elder, 92, a resident of the Presbyterian Home for CNY and formerly of New Hartford, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at the nursing home with his beloved family by his side. Robert was born in Utica on April 27, 1921, the son of Frederick W. and Florence M. (Kelly) Elder. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Robert attended Syracuse University and earned his Bachelor's degree with the second graduating class at Utica College. Robert honorably served as a navigator, bombardier and pilot in the Army Air Corps during WW II, where he earned the rank of Captain. He was the proud recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross and American Defense Medal. In 1948, at St. Patrick's Church in Utica, Robert married Julienne Doucet, the mother of Robert's children. Julienne passed away in 1967. In 1969, he married Patricia Medick in Rome, NY. Patricia passed away in 2005. Robert was employed with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, later as the head of the accounting division with Sperry Rand, Library Division, and finally as an accountant with the Dairymen's League until his retirement. After retirement, he went to work as a salesman with Smith Meat Packing in Utica. Robert was a member of American Legion Post 1376 in New Hartford, the Song Writers Guild and enjoyed writing songs and short stories. Mr. Elder was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather and will be sadly missed by his beloved daughter and son, Cathy Karam and her husband Nabhane of Marcy and Scott Elder and his wife Kathy of Miami, FL; four cherished grandchildren, Julie, Candace, Robert and his wife Trisha and Bachir and his wife Li; three adored great grandchildren, Olivia, Isabella and Emma; a sister-in-law, Shirley Doucet of Utica as well as several nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the 4:00 p.m. Mass at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, Rutger St., Utica His rite of Committal and burial, with military honors, will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro at the convienence of his family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Presbyterian Home for CNY, 4290 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413 or Alzheimer's Association, 258 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502 in Roberts memory. Mr. Elder's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Presbyterian Home, especially the Maple unit, for compassionately helping Robert enjoy a happy, high quality of life during his time there. The care and love you provided to Robert will never be forgotten. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., N. Utica.