Robert H. Axtell, 71, a resident of Gardenier Road in the town of Oswego, passed away Tuesday, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Bobby was born in Oswego, the son of the late F. Joseph and Dorothy (Fitzsimmons) Axtell. He was a life resident.

He was a 1963 graduate of Oswego High School.

He was a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1969 to 1972.

He was initiated into Ironworkers Local #60 in 1971, and retired in 1998 as a life member.

Bobby enjoyed sailboat racing, and was a member of the Oswego Yacht Club. He was involved with the Oswego Softball Association for many years, both as a player and a coach. He was also a coach with the Oswego Pop Warner Football League.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Minetto, and was very active in the church's activities.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Catherine (LaRock) Axtell of Oswego; a daughter, Kira (Michael Enos) Axtell of Oswego; a son, Griffin Axtell of Oswego; two brothers, George "Tom" (Delores) Axtell of Southern Pines, NC, and Richard (Susan) Axtell of Pawley's Island, SC; three sisters, Catherine Matsubu of Sacramento, CA, Marian (Robert) Ascenzi of Oswego, and Betsy (Bruce) Brown of Oswego; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Axtell.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 Saturday, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Minetto.

Burial will be private.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 Friday, at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The University of Rochester Medical Center Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 650, Rochester, NY 14642.