Robert Jay Koonce, 45, departed this life suddenly on November 1 at home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born December 26, 1963 in Albany, NY, and was the beloved husband of Angela (Thorpe) Koonce. Robert was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Koonce of Albany.
He was educated in the Albany public school system; graduating from Albany High School; attending and graduating from Union College where he received his B.A. and he earned his M.A. in higher education administration from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
At the time of his passing, he was director of BBA Student Affairs at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He was the founder of a program introducing students from the Detroit School System to the necessity of education and orienting them to the importance of higher education through a summer internship at the University School of Business.
At Albany High School, Robert was a “stand out” football player, and was known throughout the Capital District as “Bubba” Koonce. His football career continued through his four years at Union College.
Robert was the best husband, son, nephew, and grandchild one could ask for. He could be counted on to help in any way. A smile and encouraging word was the way Robert conducted his life. He was a friend for life.
He is survived by his wife of twelve years, Angela, of Ann Arbor, MI; his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Koonce of Albany; two sisters, Mrs. Brenda Nixon, Greenville, SC, and Mrs. Pamela (Anthony) Stephens, Goodyear, AZ; three nieces, Ashley Nixon Dunbar, Greenville, SC; Simone Stephens, Goodyear, AZ, Andranique Thorpe, Detroit MI; two nephews, Blake Stephens, Goodyear, AZ, and Bernard Nixon, Greenville, SC. He also leaves his Godson and buddy, Brandon Willis of Detroit, MI. In addition, his brother-in-law, Andre (Marie) Thorpe, also Detroit, MI. He leaves uncles, aunts, and cousins and a host of relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. George Woodard, and paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Koonce, and his mother and father-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Ambus Thorpe, Jr.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on November 11, at 11 AM at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street, Albany, NY. A one-hour viewing will precede the celebration. Parking is available at Westminster Church parking lot directly across the street. Enter from Chestnut Street. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Schenectady, NY.
Contributions in his memory can be made to University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Attn: BBA Program, 701 Tappen St., Room D2254, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234.