Robert A. Bierstine

Robert A. Bierstine of Pine Island entered into rest on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. He was 74.
The son of Benedict Bierstine and Frances Lempka Bierstine, he was born July 10, 1942, in Goshen.
He was currently an honorary member and past president of the Pulaski Fire Company; a life member of the P.L.A.V. Post # 16, Pine Island, and a 53 year member of the Mountaineer Hunting Club.
He was also a U.S. Army veteran.
Bob was born into a produce farming family and worked alongside his father and brothers as part of Bierstine Farms Inc.
He left the farm to pursue his dream of truck driving cross country.
He displayed his proud Polish heritage by his love of dancing and listening to Polka music.
He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and ice fishing. He also was a NASCAR fan and attended races in Bristol, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., and Rockingham, N.C., where he rooted for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Lorraine Brzuska Bierstine; daughter Eve Raftary of Peachtree City, Ga.; daughter Rebecca Galindo and her husband Ken of Canton, Ga.; four grandchildren: Robert and Abigail Raftary and Logan and Mikayla Galindo; brother Benedict Bierstine Jr. and sister Nancy Devine; and former son-in-law, Kenneth Raftary.
He was predeceased by three brothers: James Bierstine Sr., Edward “Skip” Bierstine and Donald Bierstine Sr.
Visitation was held on June 18 at T.S. Purta Funeral Home in Pine Island. Legion services also were held, followed by firematic services at the funeral home.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated June 19 at St. Stanislaus Church in Pine Island.
Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Island Volunteer Ambulance Corps.,PO Box 264, Pine Island, NY 10969 or to the P.L.A.V. Post # 16, PO Box 16, Pine Island, NY 10969.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.