Robert Stephen Fahning

Robert Stephen Fahning

Robert Stephen Fahning of Grand Island, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2025, at 70 years of age. Robert was born on February 25, 1955, in Buffalo, NY. He is predeceased by his parents Donald Fahning (2006) and Margaret (Zillioux) Fahning (2009). Bob attended William Kaegebein elementary, Grand Island High School and went on to graduate from Ohio Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977. There, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 1980, Bob purchased the Keller-Pedley Insurance Agency in Niagara Falls with his partner and dear friend Tony Brindisi. They ran and grew the business into a pillar of the community with the support of their dedicated staff for 45 years. Right up until his passing, Bob considered his colleagues, clients and customers his friends and treated them as such. Survived by his wife Anne (Edwards) of 35 years, his cherished sister Christine Fahning, daughter April (Bryan) Jenkins, son J. Michael (Brandi) Corcoran, grandchildren Jordan (Nick) Calaty, Olivia Corcoran, Sylvie Jenkins and Rowan Jenkins, great-grandchildren Graciana, Giovanni and Roman Calaty. Bob loved and was loved by his brothers-in-law George (Kathy), Bruce (Susan) and John (Trish Copeland) Edwards and sisters-in-law Maureen (Chuck) Olson, Jane Vicki and Mary (Dale) DeBacco, along with many cousins, aunts and uncles of the Fahning and Zillioux families. Bob lived a life full of passions and hobbies, hard work and deep friendships. He collected and restored numerous cars and boats over the years, where he was as comfortable behind the wheel as he was under the hood, understanding every single aspect, appreciating every nuance. Earning his Captain’s license, Bob generously donated many boat cruises for various charities. He guided friends and family on countless excursions sharing his passion for the open water and upper Niagara River. As an active member of the Rolls Royce Owners Club for 30 years (former president, Board of Directors member, and Chief Judge), Bob (always with his beloved Anne) traveled across the country every year for national meets and driving excursions, where they made lifelong friends. As a passionate student of classic cars and mechanics, he restored and led technical sessions, always disseminating his vast and expansive knowledge to others. He and Anne loved traveling, seeing many parts of the world, and just being together. Bob was a great supporter of the Grand Island Lions Club for over 25 years and served on the Board of Directors of Heart Love and Soul. Bob was always reading books, often several at once, remembering everything he absorbed. Bob was the person everyone went to ask about just about everything. Bob could often be found on Sunday mornings having breakfast with his tight knit group of friends or driving around with perhaps his closest friend, his dog Shadow. Papa Bob was adored by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for whom he showed immense love and would answer absolutely any question, always sharing his extensive knowledge on any topic. Bob was loved by so very many people for his kindness, generosity, humor and intelligence and will be deeply missed. A celebration of life is planned for October 11, 2025 from 1-5 PM at the Falconwood, 107 Beaver Island Park Drive, Grand Island, NY. You can RSCP at https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/83xKbRqsAY3nVxFBNBNpx .Donations can be made in honor of Bob to Heart, Love and Soul Donation, or the Grand Island Lions Club PO Box 71 Grand Island, NY 14072 or through their venmo QR code.