Robert Dale Wojnar Sr., of Auburn died Wednesday, November 16, 2016. Born in Auburn on October 24, 1950, he was the son of the late Chester and Clementine Sawaryn Wojnar. He was a graduate of Auburn East High School, and Ithaca College where he majored in business administration.
Bob played football for both Auburn High and Ithaca College, and received numerous honors during his sports career, of which he was very proud; E.C.A.C. Division II All-star Team, NYS Sportswriters All Star Team, Kodak Coaches small college All American First Team Offensive Guard, as well as other individual football awards.
Bob was inducted into Auburn High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Ithaca College Hall of Fame in 1996.
Bob enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the wine industry, with a particular interest and passion for promoting Finger Lakes NY wineries. He worked for Wine Merchants, Gallo Wines, Canandaigua Wine Company, Heron Hill and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery where he was National Sales Manager. Bob shared his expertise, knowledge and history of the Finger Lakes wine region by instructing an Introduction to Wine Class for 16 years at Cayuga Community College. He was a member of the board of Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty, an organization dedicated to educating consumers on locally produced food and beverages.
He is survived by his son Robert D. Wojnar II(Lisa), of Greensboro, NC, his daughter Jennifer Wojnar of Auburn, his sister Deborah Ackley (Chas) of Queensbury, NY, grandchildren Jack, Riley Anne, Noah and Sage Wojnar, his aunt Pauline Kaczmar, and several cousins.
Funeral services for Bob will be at 10 A.M. Wednesday in SS Peter & Paul Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Tuesday from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Plis Funeral Home, 220 State St.
Those wishing may contribute to either the Ithaca College Alumni Hall c/o Gift Processing, 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, on check memo write Football Fund in memory of Bob Wojnar, or the Cayuga Community College Foundation, 197 Franklin St., Auburn, NY 13021.