Robert P. McDannel, 94, of Seneca Falls, passed at home, with his wife at his side, on Monday, September 14th, 2026. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Friday, September 18th, from 11:30 AM until the time of his funeral service at 12 NOON, at Doran Funeral Home, 4 East Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Donations in Bob’s memory may be directed to Wounded Warriors in Action (WWIA), C/O Kuneytown Sportsmens Club, 3735 Hoster Rd., Seneca Falls, N.Y. 13148.

Robert was born in Pittsburgh, PA, son of the late Albert and Ethel (Quigley) McDannel. He grew up in Pennsylvania, and from a young age he was taught the importance of hard work. In his teenage years, he helped his father with the beer distribution business, driving the delivery truck; a passion that would span his entire life. After high school, Bob joined the US Army, where he served proudly during the Korean War. Upon returning from overseas, he took advantage of the GI Bill and attended Edinboro State College, where he received his bachelor’s degree, and later his master’s degree from SUNY Oswego; allowing him a long successful teaching career. It was during his time at Edinboro, where he met the love of his life, Martha Kunkel, the woman who would become his wife. The two were married on August 22nd, 1960; a union of over 66 years.

In the early 1960’s, Robert and Martha moved to Lyons, NY, where Robert had taken a teaching job as an art teacher at the Lyons Elementary School. He would hold that position until his retirement, almost 30 years later. Setting his roots in the Lyons community, Robert was a man of strong faith with his church. He served as lector at St. Michael’s Church in Lyons for years. He and Martha also started a small ceramics business out of their home, that quickly grew, so they opened up a store front in downtown Lyons for a few years. After retiring from teaching, Robert took a short time to enjoy retirement, but felt he still had more to offer, so he started working for IEC in Newark as an expeditor. He enjoyed the work as it was different than his work as a teacher, but what he liked the most was the relationships he made with his coworkers. In the early 2000’s, Robert and Martha relocated to Seneca Falls.

Robert’s passions in life were lifelong. In addition to his strong faith, he held a strong connection with his country, especially the American flag and what it represented, his classic model trucks and expansive Hess truck collection and the way they reminded him of his youth, and most importantly his love for his beloved wife and his family.

Robert leaves behind his wife, Martha; children, Sandra Ann (Julia Gibson), Laura (Dr. Ben) Himpler, Paul (Dan Waffle); grandsons, Steven and Liam; sister, Kathleen (Mickey) Dison; sister-in-law, Patricia McDannel; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his sister, Jeanne (Charles) Frederick, and brothers, Paul and John.