Robert "Rook" L. Gage Sr., 78, of 208 E. North St., Ilion, died Sunday, October 15, 2006, at home. He was born on September 4, 1928 in Ilion, the son of Roy and Iva Mae (Reed) Gage, and graduated from Ilion Central High School as a "Three Letter" man in sports (baseball, football and basketball). On September 10, 1952, he was married to Joyce Rank in Ilion. In his early years, he helped his parents at Gage's Dairy, Ilion. Bob was a school bus driver for 34 years at Whitesboro Central School and 10 years for Bernie Bus Co. During his employment, he was very proud of the service he performed and felt it very important to perform your work to the best of your ability, as a professional. He attended North Columbia United Methodist Church. Sports, especially baseball, were a big part of his life. "Rook" toured the Eastern United States with the House of David (semi-pro) baseball team. He also played in the PanAm League. "Rook" once tried out for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Mr. Gage played on many local baseball teams. Bob also played softball in various leagues in Ilion, Utica, Richfield Springs, and received the Most Valuable Player award at age 57. He coached Little League and won the championship with the Ilion Elks Tigers in 1971. "Rook" was an avid Boston Red Sox and Oklahoma Sooner fan. Bob enjoyed camping, playing jarts and cards, Sunday drives to Lake George and Old Forge, and spending time with his family. His family will always remember him for his quiet, humble demeanor, dry sense of humor and highly competitive edge. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his children, Lynda Baum of Mohawk, Iva Trevett and husband, Dan, Robbin De LaRosa and husband, Carlos, Donna Gage and fiancee, Greg Austin, all of Ilion, Jackie Volo and husband, Dave of Little Falls, Ted Gage and wife, JoAnn, Terri Vivyan and husband, Kevin, Robert Gage Jr. and wife, Madelyn, Rose Greig and husband, Bryan, all of Ilion; 20 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, James "Tom" Riddell and wife, Roberta; his sister-in-law, Christine Brownrigg; two nephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; his son, James Roy Gage; and his grandson, Steven Scaparo. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 18, 2006, at the North Columbia United Methodist Church with Rev. Hans Drews, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in North Columbia Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, October 17, 2006, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion. Memorial contributions may be made to North Columbia United Methodist Church or Ilion Ambulance Fund. Special envelopes are available at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.