Feb. 26, 1941 – June 13, 2013
Robert Szulis, a longtime Clarence farmer and owner of Szulis Florists & Greenhouses, died in his home Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 72.
Born in Clarence Center, Mr. Szulis was raised on Szulis Farms on Goodrich Road, where his parents, Chester and Mary, taught him at a young age how to grow vegetables and flowers.
He graduated from Clarence High School and then went on to study flower arrangement and design at the Canadian School of Floral Art so he could continue the family business.
Mr. Szulis took over the farm after the death of his father in 1985.
He enjoyed being a farmer and worked sunrise to sunset on the 300-acre farm and its dozens of greenhouses, family members said. He was a familiar sight at area farmers’ markets, including North Tonawanda, Elmwood and Bidwell, Super Flea, Buffalo Place and Clinton-Bailey.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, the former Patricia Gattie; a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Jennifer; a brother, John; and a sister, Dorothy.

SZULIS - Robert Of Clarence Center, NY, June 13, 2013, beloved husband of Patricia (nee Gattie); dearest father of Jennifer and Robert M. (Mary H.) of Florida; grandfather of five; son of the late Chester Szulis and the late Mary (nee Napora); brother of John and Dorothy (Vince) Durick; dear friend of Charlie Dirschedl; also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Services from THE URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6685 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY (South of County & North French Rds), Monday at 9:30 AM and from St. Mary's Chapel, Swormville at 10 AM. Visitation Sunday 4-8 PM.