Leo R. "Bob" Bechard Jr., 80, a longtime resident of 91 North Fourth Ave., Ilion, passed away Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, following a long illness. Bob was born Sept. 5, 1924, in Utica, son of Leo R. Sr. and Mary (Jorgenson) Bechard. He attended West Winfield schools. Bob was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat" Willoughby on Oct. 8, 1949, at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion. They shared a blessed and devoted union of 55 years. Bob was employed by Chicago Pneumatic in Utica, retiring in 1988 as supervisor with 37 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, Bob was employed by the Ilion School District for four years as a teaching assistant in the Technical Education Department. He also worked part-time at the Ilion Tru-Value Hardware Store. He was a life member of the Ilion Elks Lodge 1444, at one time the Ilion Moose Lodge 1010, a longtime member of the Ilion Volunteer Fire Department and the 25 year club at Chicago Pneumatic. Bob was an aviation enthusiast, attending air shows and at one time taking flying lessons. In his early years, Bob enjoyed riding his 1947 Indian "Chief" motorcycle. He and Pat enjoyed riding and traveling on his motorcycle. An avid fan of "The Duke," Bob amassed a collection of John Wayne films. He and Pat enjoyed winters in Myrtle Beach for many years. His life was centered around his beloved family and their home on North Fourth Avenue. Survivors include his loving wife, Pat, at home; five beloved children, Cynthia "Cindy" Speranza and her husband Anthony of Ilion, Gail Mount of Oklahoma, Brad Bechard of Ilion, Dean Bechard and his wife Carol of Ilion, Brooke Redmond and her husband Steven of Lee Center; his cherished grandchildren, Anthony Speranza, Amy (Mount) Bobo and her husband Brad, Aaron and Sean Mount, Eric, Rob and Jessica Bechard, Steven, Elizabeth, Daniel and Dylan Redmond, and Michelle Santillo; four great-grandchildren, Ryann Bobo, Kianna, Isiah and Adrianna Santillo; his brother and sister-in-law, John "Jack" and Martha Bechard of Ilion; sisters, Ann Davis of Rome and Julia Soules of Ilion; and his brother-in-law, Lewis "Jay" Goodman of Ilion and his sister-in-law, Shirley Willoughby. Bob also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins and friends, including a special cousin, Ann Seymour. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Goodman and his brothers-in-law, Reginald Davis and Paul Soules. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, Jan. 4, from 4-7 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (between Ilion and Frankfort). Bob's funeral service will be held Tuesday commencing at 7 p.m. following visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Cogar officiating. Interment will take place in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Members of the Ilion Elks Lodge 1444 will conduct their memorial service Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The Bechard family wishes to thank the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, especially the third floor staff, for the care and compassion shown to Bob during his stay. Memorial contributions in Bob's name may be considered to the Ilion Ambulance Fund. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.