Robert J. "Rob" Genter Jr., 54, of Chaumont, New York, passed away from an inner struggle that no one was aware of on August 20, 2025. He was born on September 25, 1970, in Watertown, NY, the son of Robert J. "Bob" and Mary Alice (Cannan) Genter.

Rob was a 1988 graduate of General Brown High School, where he was active in basketball, baseball, and the marching band—an experience he cherished. It was during high school that he met his high school sweetheart, Kelly, with whom he began a lifetime of love that started in 1988.

He attended Jefferson Community College and earned an associate degree in Math and Science. He continued his education at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), graduating in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology and Forest Resource Management.

Rob and Kelly were married on June 10, 1995, in Branson, Missouri, where they had moved after college. While in Missouri, Rob helped design and build the renowned Top of the Rock Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge for Johnny Morris.

The couple later returned to Brownville, NY, where Rob worked alongside his father at Genter Brothers Music and Vending—starting from the young age of 14 and continuing for many years. He and his father had a wonderful father and son relationship no matter if they were working side by side or golfing side by side. After Genter Brothers unexpectedly closed, Rob and Kelly relocated to Virginia, where Rob worked as a butcher for Farm Fresh Foods and Food Lion.  Rob worked at the Country Club of Virginia where many senators and congressmen played on a daily basis.

While in Virginia, Rob also pursued a master's degree in Special Education at Virginia State University. Rob even became a classroom assistant, respite worker, and God parent to one of the most amazing children whose name is Dennis.  Rob and Kelly welcomed Dennis as a member to their family which to this day they hold dear. Rob loved every minute spent with Dennis, learning something new from Dennis every day.

Throughout their married life Rob and Kelly took in many abused dogs throughout the many states that he and his wife lived in.  Rob believed the dog world could use one more kind, empathetic, and loving person in the rescue dog world. That's how much he loved his furry children.

Rob and Kelly returned to the North Country to care for his father who became ill.  He was devoted to his father's care for many years. Most recently, Rob was employed by Crowley Foods now known as Hood Foods.   He has been caring for his beloved wife since 2019 following a brain injury.  Kelly, a Special Education teacher for 25 years, retired from Gouverneur Central School District in 2019.

Rob enjoyed hunting with his grandfather at their camp, in Otter Creek. He also loved the outdoors—especially fishing and RVing—with Kelly always by his side. Their love story was one of deep love and unwavering dedication.

Rob was very proud of his son Joshua Genter. He was proud of Josh's life skills- not only as a paramedic, but also as a devoted father, loving husband, and an upstanding man. Rob loved spending time with his son building soap box racing cars and racing them.  He also enjoyed the time at Otter Creek teaching his son to jump from "the rock".   They loved riding roller coasters, especially "The Hulk" at Universal, "Rock n Roller" at Disney and "Tower of Terror". Rob's only wish was that Joshua came to see him more but it did not dim his love for his son.

Rob was Kelly's caregiver since 2019 following many many brain and spinal surgeries which also included three additional spinal cord stimulator surgeries. After Kelly became paralyzed on the left side of her body, Rob devoted himself to care for her and was Kelly's biggest supporter.  He took the time to learn how to help her both medically and physically, working tirelessly to support her recovery in her fingers, arms, neck, and even her head.  While recovering Kelly nicknamed him her "Biggest Pain in the Ass" and Rob loved it!  Rob made Kelly's life easier by making her do her PT even when she didn't want to. Rob was an amazing man who loved Kelly "forever and always" no matter what people said. Kelly stated Rob was her beautiful, handsome, dream of a man, he was also her protector, her husband, her lover and her very best friend. Rob and Kelly's love for each other will continue to be of those kind of stories people will remember well into the future. One of his greatest hobbies was his love to embarrass his wife, but in a loving way.  For example, their dating song and their wedding song was Richard Marx's. "Right here Waiting".   While Kelly was in the United States Navy, Rob listened to their song over hundreds of times just to get every word down correctly and then send it to her while she was serving in New Orleans.   Rob also sent Kelly a letter every day just to say Hi or I love you.  Another example of Rob's love to embarrass Kelly was anytime Rob heard their song he would stop driving to sing it to her off pitch or he would dance with her no matter where they were.  One of the most romantic memories was when they were at the 2024 New York State Fair, Rob and Kelly were among thousands of fairgoers walking around when Rob stopped automatically when he heard their song and grabbed Kelly by the waist and slowly started dancing with her in the middle of a crowd of thousands.   This crowd slowly separated and clapped as they danced. At the end of the song, he swept her up into his arms and spun her around, and kissed her with a love he and Kelly have always shared.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly J. Genter of Chaumont, NY; his mother-in-law Ginny Nowak of FL; son and daughter in law,  Joshua K. and Brooke Genter of Lowville, NY; cherished granddaughters Amelia Elizabeth and Paislee Alice; two sisters and their husbands, Mary Beth (Kevin) Mills of Dundee, NY and Gretchen (Chris) Mayer of Prosper, TX; sister-in-law Jennifer Genter of Ionia, NY; nephews, Elliott Mayer and Dylan Genter.

He is also survived by his beloved "Aunt Reenie" (Maureen Ver Schneidner) of Croghan, NY; Uncles, M. Kenneth "Bub" (Beverly) Cannan of Indian Lake, NY, Michael (Agnes) Cannan of Lowville, NY, and Marty Cannan of Riverton, WY; and many cousins including Peter "Putt" Ver Schneidner, Robin Meier, Christopher Berry, Matthew Berry, Peggy Berry, Jeffrey Cannan, Steven Cannan, and Robert Cannan and his beloved four-legged furry children, Molson and Zoe.

Rob was predeceased by his daughter, Harley Lee Genter, his parents, Robert "Bob" and Mary Alice Genter Sr.; his brother, Brian Genter; Aunt Betty Jeanne Shaw; Uncle Stephen Cannan and his cousin, Kenny Cannan.

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter, NY.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 21st from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Dexter American Legion Please don't dress up for the service.  Rob would want you to wear your favorite t-shirt, cargo shorts, jeans, and a baseball hat when you come.

Hey there! I'm reaching out because Kelly is going through an incredibly tough time after losing her husband, Rob, and battling Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Your support can make a real difference in her life during this unimaginable struggle, so if you could take a moment to donate or share the link below, it would mean the world to her. Thank you for considering helping a friend in need! Love her mother..Ginny

https://gofund.me/f078aa7c

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