Hilton Community Grieves the Loss of Dedicated Worker Rob Faber in Tragic Crash
HILTON, New York — The small, close-knit community of Hilton is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Rob Faber, a hardworking and much-loved local man who tragically lost his life while doing his job Wednesday afternoon. The fatal incident occurred at the intersection of Parma Center Road and Bailey Road, where Faber, serving as a flagger in an active construction zone, was struck by a vehicle.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene shortly before 2:00 p.m. Emergency crews arrived within minutes to find Faber suffering from severe injuries after being hit by a passing vehicle that had entered the construction area. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders and paramedics, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver involved remained on-site and cooperated fully with law enforcement. Preliminary reports from the Sheriff’s Office indicate that the collision appears to have been an accident, though the Monroe County Crash Reconstruction Unit and Traffic Bureau continue to investigate contributing factors, including road visibility, speed, and construction zone markings. Authorities have not yet announced whether any citations or charges will be filed.
Rob Faber, 45, was known throughout Hilton and nearby Parma as a man of loyalty, humor, and compassion — someone who always showed up, not just for work, but for people. He worked for Crane-Hogan Structural Systems, a local contracting firm, where coworkers say he was admired for his strong work ethic and willingness to take on any task without complaint.
“Rob was one of those guys who could make anyone smile, even on the toughest days,” said Mark Johnson, a longtime colleague. “He cared about doing things the right way and keeping everyone safe. That’s what makes this so hard — he was the one out there protecting others.”
Friends and family remember Faber as a devoted father, husband, and neighbor whose generosity extended far beyond his job. His wife, Melissa Faber, shared that Rob had been working extra shifts recently to help save for their daughter’s college tuition. “He loved his family more than anything,” she said. “He’d come home tired, but he always had time for a hug, a laugh, or to help with homework.”
Residents near Parma Center Road describe a chaotic and emotional scene on Wednesday afternoon as emergency vehicles filled the area. “You could tell something awful had happened,” said Nancy Whitman, who lives two houses from the intersection. “He was just out there working — making sure everyone got through safely. It’s so unfair.”
The Hilton Fire Department, which responded alongside Monroe County EMS, expressed condolences to the Faber family, calling the incident “a devastating reminder of the risks roadway workers face every day.” The department urged drivers to slow down and stay alert in construction areas, emphasizing that even a moment of inattention can lead to irreversible tragedy.
As word spread, tributes poured in on social media, with friends describing Rob as “the heartbeat of the crew,” “a man who always lent a hand,” and “a friend to everyone he met.” A memorial of flowers, safety cones, and handwritten notes has since been placed at the corner of Parma Center Road and Bailey Road, where Rob spent his final hours doing the work he took pride in.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that grief counselors are being made available to Rob’s coworkers, who are struggling to process the loss of one of their own. Sheriff’s spokesperson Brittany Mueller noted that the department will provide updates once the reconstruction team completes its findings.
“Every fatal crash is tragic,” Mueller said, “but when it involves someone working to keep others safe, it hits especially hard. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Faber family and the Hilton community.”
Local officials, including Parma Town Supervisor Jack Barton, have expressed support for increased safety measures for flaggers and other roadside construction workers, calling for more visible signage and reduced speed limits near active sites.
A community candlelight vigil is being planned at Hilton Beach Park on Sunday evening to honor Rob’s life and to stand with his family in solidarity. Organizers encourage attendees to wear orange — the color of road safety — in his memory.
For those who knew Rob Faber, his passing is not just a loss to one family but to an entire community bound by hard work, kindness, and care. His legacy will live on in the roads he helped make safer and in the countless lives he touched through everyday acts of compassion.
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#RobFaber #HiltonNY #MonroeCounty #ConstructionZoneSafety #ParmaCenterRoad #CommunityMourns #WorkZoneAwareness #InMemory
