Obituary of Robert John Salotti Jr

Robert John Salotti, Jr. (Bobby/"Scoop") was born February 19, 1965, in Geneva, New York, and passed into the arms of the Lord unexpectedly in his sleep on March 18, 2025. He is survived by the love of his life Amy C. Hazard, his mother Judy Salotti, his father Robert Salotti, Sr., brothers Patrick and Michael (Jenniffer Selden), nephews Jonathan (Courtney) Salotti and Brody Salotti, and his daughter Brooklyn. Bobby graduated from Geneva High in 1983, and then served his country by enlisting in the National Guard, from which he was honorably discharged. For a time, he was a member of the Carpenter's Union as well as a volunteer fire fighter with Hydrant Hose. Eventually, he started his own business as a general contractor. Bobby's competitive nature was evident early on. In his youth, he enjoyed participating in all sports: football, baseball, wrestling, and track, but football was his favorite. He was a proud member of Geneva junior football league's Packer Era when they had several winning seasons; two of those he shared with his brothers. As an adult Bobby loved to play softball. He could always be counted on to hit a homerun at Pepsi Field (Gulvin Park). His claim to fame was hitting the ball over Middle Street. He loved bowling and spent many years down at Sunset Bowl. He was a devoted Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan. Bobby was a well-rounded angler. From the time he could hold a pole he would fish the nearest body of water and his competitiveness continued. When he was old enough, he started fishing the National Lake Trout Derby, and in almost 50 years, he never missed a tournament—winning several awards along the way. Simultaneously, he began entering local bass competitions and won numerous trophies throughout the Finger Lakes and beyond, including the FLW Bass Fishing League Northeast Division Lake Cayuga tournament in 2010 and again in 2012. One of his proudest moments on the water came in 2023 when he won the National Lake Trout Derby right here in Geneva. Though these accolades were important, the friendships Bobby made along the way were his biggest reward. Each year as summer wound down Bobby would turn his attention to hunting, and just as he exceled in fishing, Bobby was an accomplished hunter. While always looking for the "monster", few seasons found him failing to tag out. Bobby loved finding his next project–no task was too daunting. He overhauled numerous trucks and boats. When his bass boat needed a new cover, he bought a used industrial sewing machine. With the old cover as a pattern, he and Amy figured out how to make a new one. He loved gardening. While growing vegetables, he and Amy accidently grew a ginormous sunflower that reached over 10 feet tall. Then they started growing their own strawberries; simply because home-grown berries made the best strawberry jam. Bobby loved the challenge of growing citrus trees in New York, and he found pure joy in nurturing an acorn until it grew into an oak tree. He could often be heard saying "how hard can it be?" As much as Bobby loved the outdoors, he was just as comfortable inside, and he was no stranger to the kitchen. He could take any recipe—sweet or savory—and make it better. Autumn would find him making venison sausage, and one Christmas he put his skills as a builder to the test and won the family gingerbread house competition. Together with Amy, Bobby taught himself to make moonshine and maple syrup, and they canned anything they could from their garden. Bobby was always willing and eager to help a friend or neighbor if needed, and he had a gift of putting others at ease. His laughter was contagious. He was deeply loved by many, though none more than his family, and he will be missed by all those whose life he touched. A memorial mass will be held at St. Stephens Church in Geneva on Saturday, March 29th, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Side Fire Station in Geneva, the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.