October 29, 2013

Robert Failla
June 11, 1950 - October 26, 2013

Robert Failla, 63, formerly of Swan Lake, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Steuben County Health Care Facility in Bath following a lengthy illness, surrounded by family.
Mr. Failla was born on June 11, 1950 in Bronx, NY to Mario and Palma C. (Bonanno) Failla. He was a 1968 graduate of Springfield Gardens High School in Springfield Gardens, NY. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-74, completing two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.
In addition to his 15 years of active and reserve military service, Bob worked for the U.S. Customs in World Trade Center 6 for the Canine Drug Enforcement unit as well as various special assignments with the DEA joint task force that included 6 months in Nogalas, Ariz. working the Mexican border. He finished his 25 year government career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Otisville, NY, retiring in 1999 as a result of 3 gunshot wounds.
Bob is survived by three sons, Robert C. (Christie) Failla of Liberty, Louis V. (Rebekah) Failla of Andover and Jack A. Failla of Alfred; a daughter, Alleene P. Peterson of Avoca; two brothers, Charles (Patricia) Failla of Idaho and Mario (Elizabeth) Failla of Florida; seven grandchildren, Heather Failla, Christopher Failla, Andrew Failla, Elizabeth Failla, Joseph Failla, Anthony Peterson and Noah Peterson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by one sister, Eleanor Morgans.
Bob was an expert marksman, gunsmith and a licensed firearms instructor. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed coin collecting. He was a member of the NRA and past member of the Liberty Fire Department and the Sullivan County Rescue Dive Team.
Friends may call on Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover.
The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Rev. Roger Gardner of the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship officiating. Burial will follow in Bath National Cemetery with full military honors.
Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Andover Rescue Squad, PO Box 726, Andover, NY 14806.
Arrangements by Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Andover, NY.