In the quiet corners of Hilton, New York, what began as a typical work-day turned into a tragedy that rippled through a tight-knit community. Longtime construction worker and flagger Rob Faber was struck and killed by a vehicle on Wednesday while managing traffic at the intersection of Parma Center Road and Bailey Road, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Rob had been guiding traffic through an active work zone when a car crashed into him. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital with grave injuries, but he succumbed to his wounds. The intersection has since reopened and the investigation remains ongoing, though no charges have been filed at this time.
Friends and coworkers of Rob describe him as the kind of man who would literally give you the shirt off his back. “I lost my breath. I was keeping hope and praying that everything was going to be okay,” says Erik Basuk, a friend for more than 30 years. “He’s the type of guy that’ll give you the shirt off his back. It’s very, very unfortunate to have to stand here and have to give this speech today.”
Another close friend, Chazz Dalberth, put it simply: “He was my best friend, and everybody you talk to, they’re like he was my best friend. He wanted to make sure his people, his crew, everyone was safe, sound, and taken care of.” He adds that Rob always looked out for others—not just at the job site, but in life overall.
Rob’s death has struck a chord beyond the immediate crew. As Basuk noted sadly: “He was just doing his job, and he wanted to come home to have a Thanksgiving with his mother. It’s very unfortunate that somebody had to take that from his family.” The timing and the sense of unfulfilled plans make the loss all the heavier.
In this moment of grief, Rob’s legacy stands out: generosity, dedication, and unwavering loyalty. He wasn’t simply “on the job” — he was there for his crew, for his friends, and for his family. The message now spreads: drivers must slow down and move over for road-workers who put themselves at risk so traffic keeps flowing. The sheriff’s office reminds everyone of the dangers in work zones.
While the investigation into the crash continues, there is no comfort to fill the void left behind. Rob Faber will be remembered not only for how he died, but for how he lived: a friend, a protector, a man whose impact won’t fade quietly. His presence will be deeply missed—but the kindness and loyalty he showed will live on in the hearts of all those he touched.