Robert A. Smallman MD

Robert A. Smallman, M.D., of Canandaigua, New York, passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born September 14, 1930, he was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph B. Smallman of Batavia, New York.

Bob grew up in the Town of Corfu where he played basketball at Corfu High School. During high school and early college years, he was active in Scouting and, as an adult, became a proficient sailor and a private pilot, qualified for both land and sea landings. After graduating from Cornell University and the New York Medical College, he did his residency in ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Bob then began a private practice of medical and surgical ophthalmology in Buffalo, New York, where he was active in teaching ophthalmology residents and paraprofessionals. For a number of years, Bob provided care at Veterans Administration facilities in Buffalo, Batavia and Rochester, New York. Following his retirement, he lived on the west shore of Canandaigua, New York, in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy J. Nicholas, his nephews, Richard and Robert Nicholas and his niece, Kathryn J. Nicholas.

A private graveside service will be held in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, 144 Mill Street, Canandaigua, New York 14424 or to the Nature Conservancy of Central and Western New York, Village Gate Square, 274 Goodman Street b261, Rochester, New York 14607.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.