Jesse Robert Powell

Jesse Robert Powell was a nice, kind, sweet man, who did not want to burden others. He was a husband, stepfather, brother, and friend to many. He lived a very quiet and independent life and he left this world knowing he was loved and adored by many on July 27, 2024, at the age of 97.

Robert was born to Jesse Robert and Margaret (Lewis) Powell on February 11, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from his high school located on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, NY, he became a U.S. Merchant Marine with the United States Coast Guard in 1946, and he was a fireman and water tender. He was drafted into the United States Army and his active period of duty during the Korean War was from September 29, 1950 to July 2, 1952. He fought in Korea and he became First Sergeant Staff within his first six months of being in the military, and he could never quite understand why he deserved such a promotion. He survived being shot three times and he was honorably discharged and issued many awards, including a Purple Heart. After he was discharged, he moved to Engle Wood, New Jersey, to live with his parents. Robert married the love of his life, Vera B. Powell and they settled in Schenectady, New York. Robert worked as an accountant for Sysco Food Distribution for a number of years before retiring. Robert has two stepchildren: Donna (Carl) Simons and Robert (Cassidy) Marisette; and several step-grandchildren, and great step-grandchildren. Robert’s wife, parents, brother, William, and sister, Margaret have passed, however, he has two nephews and a niece and several great nephews and nieces and many cousins, as well as trusting and caring neighbors.

Robert loved spending time listening to Benjamin David Goodman, the “King of Swing”, and Artie Shaw, “King of the Clarinet”. He was a skilled alto and tenor saxophone and clarinet player, and he had a beautiful singing voice. He was a member of a quartet and he sang opera. He loved spending time with friends and family and frequenting the Blue Ribbon Diner. He was proud that he still had a valid New York State Driver’s License that does not expire until 2028, when he would have been turning 101. Robert was a gentle, patient, loving, compassionate, and selfless person, who always smiled, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours only will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at the Stanton Hill Cemetery in Hannacroix, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Robert to the Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208.

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