Robert "Bob" Edward Miettunen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Miettunen, who left us on November 3, 2023. Born on May 2, 1941, in Soudan, Minnesota, Bob was a man of strength, dedication, and unwavering love for his family.

Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Gini Miettunen, whom he was married to for more than 60 years. Their love story was the foundation upon which their family grew, encompassing two loving daughters, Juli Hatlee (Michael) and Kristi Hughes (Shawn), and a devoted son, Rob Miettunen (Claudia).

Bob's legacy also continues through his precious grandchildren - Brendan Hatlee (Courtney), Ian Hatlee (Alex), Michaela Houston (Amanda), Allison Miettunen (AJ), Juliette Miettunen (Brady), Robbie Miettunen, Cameron Hughes, Makenna Hughes, and Parker Hughes.  Great granddaughters, Harlow Hatlee, and Madeleine Hatlee also brought him much joy.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Julia, and Edward Miettunen, and carries their memory with him.

A proud alumnus of the University of Minnesota, Bob graduated with a B.S. in Engineering in 1969. His first career venture involved working in support of the NASA Apollo missions. Later, his expertise led him to Xi'an, China where he spent six years developing a joint venture for GTE/Sylvania. Bob retired from SONY in Pittsburgh, PA in 2000.

Bob's greatest passion besides his family was playing and coaching ice hockey. He was his son Rob's travel hockey coach for many years, a position that took the Miettunen family all over upstate New York and Canada.  Years later, he coached his grandson, Cameron's, hockey team in Geneseo, NY.  His coaching and mentoring had a positive impact on his players; he was a second father/grandfather to many.  He also passed down his love of hockey to his grandchildren and took pride in watching all of them play at various levels, including collegiate. Bob was a talented hockey player himself, playing in his youth and in his retirement years with his beloved Gray Wolves Hockey Club.  For many years, he made the trip from Rochester to Skaneateles, NY to play with the Gray Wolves and traveled to "Gerihatricks" tournaments along the East Coast.  He was active as a player with the Gray Wolves until his move to South Carolina in 2021.

Bob was a master woodworker and cabinet maker.  He spent many hours in his workshop designing and building furniture.  Many of these pieces are cherished by his family and close friends.

Bob was a man who believed in enjoying life. He often found joy in spending time golfing with family and friends, and vacationing in his favorite destination, Maine, creating cherished memories with those he loved. Once retired, he and Gini enjoyed many travel adventures with his two cousins, Diana and Karen, including trips to Finland, Ireland and Nova Scotia.

Bob was extremely proud of his Finnish heritage and enjoyed passing on Finnish traditions and culture to his children and grandchildren.  He epitomized the Finnish trait of Sisu, which can be translated into English as "strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity."

In lieu of flowers, we're asking those who wish to honor our dad's memory to contribute to "Grandma Gini's Coffee... And Fund".  All that our dad wanted was for our mom to be happy and taken care of.  She enjoys her daily walk to a marketplace near her home called Market Commons to get her steps in and to get a coffee and sweets. She has her favorite places where the staff know her and take care of her. "Coffee... And" gives her joy.

Bob's life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an enduring love for his family. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him, and his spirit will continue to live on through the many lives he has touched.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for family and close friends in Ithaca, NY in the summer of 2024.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.