Robert J. ‘Bob’ Cimbricz

KILL BUCK — Robert J. “Bob” Cimbricz, 90, of Kill Buck, passed away Tuesday (Sept. 29, 2026) at Olean General Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born July 6, 1936, in Kane, Pa., he was the son of the late William V. and Rose H. Mohar Cimbricz.

He attended Friendship Central School and later moved to Kill Buck, where he lived for most of his life. Bob recently celebrated his wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Anita, his wife of 68 years.

Bob loved nature and spent much of his life working in the woods. A professional woodsman, he logged alongside his father and brother for most of his career. He worked for O’Dell Eddy, C.B. Norton & Son, and Donver, Inc., continuing to work well into his 70s.

He joined the U.S. National Guard in 1955 and served for nine years. He also served his community as a volunteer member of the Friendship Fire Department. He was a member of the Salamanca Moose and Holy Cross Athletic Clubs.

Being outdoors was a central part of Bob’s life; he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He told many stories, including how Mother Nature always seemed to have a way of winning.

Throughout his life, Bob was highly regarded for his sense of integrity and duty. When he said he was going to do something, he did it. He lived a life rooted in hard work and providing for his family. He will also be remembered for his love of sweets, his friendship with the nearby crows, and his ability to summon a shot of whiskey whenever needed.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Anita, are two daughters, Robin (John) Rider of Kill Buck and Sandra Cimbricz of Hamburg; a son, John (Melanie) Cimbricz of Atlanta, Ga.; four grandchildren, Tadd (Tina) Rider of Salamanca, Brooke (Brian) Crouse of Derby, William Cimbricz and Clark Cimbricz, both of Atlanta; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Kendall and Ethan; a sister, MaryAnne Cimbricz of Rochester; a brother, Richard (Marilyn) Cimbricz of Cleveland, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Sue Ann Cimbricz; two grandsons, Sam Freeling and Zack Freeling; a sister, Rose Cimbricz; and a brother, William Cimbricz.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 3, 2026) at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca, at which time funeral services will be held. Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Great Valley.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.