Robert S. Lewis, Sr.

Robert "Bob" S. Lewis Sr., Watervliet, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on March 14, 2020, at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, New York. Bob will be truly missed, not only by his family, but by the many thousands of people he touched throughout his life.

Bob's love of his trade as a carpenter is forever memorialized with the hundreds of jobs he completed for his customers throughout the City of Watervliet and Albany County. When Bob built something, the customers not only received the tangible result, but also received the company of a lengthy talk on how it was successfully completed. Bob enjoyed driving throughout Watervliet and pointing out various houses he worked on, sharing memories and stories from years past.

Bob's love for his trade was only surpassed by the love for his family. He was most proud of his 65 plus years of marriage with his wife, Joan. Bob and Joan's love for each other was something most people only witness in a Hallmark movie. Their love started in Dave Denny's Barn during weekly square dancing and Country Western music, a story Bob loved sharing with everyone. Over the years, they enjoyed each other's company while bowling (Bob scored a perfect 300 game many years ago), volunteering at St. Brigid's Church, playing various games, and traveling to visit family.

Bob was recognized by Albany County in 2007 and received the Albany County Executive Volunteer Award for his extraordinary contributions to the community. Bob was an integral part of the Watervliet Senior Center for more than 10 years. Watervliet officially proclaimed June 7, 2007 as "Bob Lewis Day" to recognize all of his efforts. Bob's love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild was exemplified by his actions. His energy was limitless when it came to doing things for his family, such as building a cradle for his first grandchild, the perfect pink dollhouse, and picnic table. He also enjoyed spending time with his son, Bobby, son-in-law, Dave, and best friend, Bill Jakubics, while attending local sporting events.

Bob was born in an elevator at Brady Maternity Hospital in Albany, NY on October 17,1932, a story Bob enjoyed telling everyone, "Three people got on the elevator and four people got off!" During those early years, Bob worked at his mother and father's Schuyler Restaurant. It was there that Bob learned how to cook and take charge in the kitchen with culinary duties. He enjoyed continuing these talents at family Thanksgiving celebrations, as well as making applesauce with his grandchildren.

Bob was especially proud of the 10 plus years he served in the New York National Guard, reaching the rank of Sergeant and being awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He took pride in sharing his various medals & awards. The love for his country is also evidenced in the American flag continuously flying outside of his residence.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Stacy and Marjorie Lewis, his sister Joyce (Lewis) Husser (Bernie), and his brother Richard (Phyllis). Bob lovingly leaves behind his wife, Joan (Swackhamer) Lewis, his daughter, Deborah (Lewis) Stark (David),daughter, Nancy (Lewis) D'Attilio (Mark), son, Robert Lewis Jr. (Lisa), and son, Kevin Lewis, along with grandchildren Amanda D'Attilio Gray (Donald), Daniel D'Attilio, Jordan
Bailey (Aaron), Zachary Lewis, great grandchild, Grayson Bailey, and honorary sister, Virginia (Ginny) Jakubics.

Calling hours will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2416 7th Ave., Watervliet, NY, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Interment immediately following at Memory Gardens in Colonie, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Bright Horizons Adult Day Center Latham, 139 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY, where Bob enjoyed socializing and entertaining others with his Donald Duck impersonation.