Robert Scott Slater

LATHAM – Robert Scott Slater passed away the morning of October 30, 2014, at his home, from Heart Failure due to his Muscular Dystrophy. Rob was a lifelong resident in the local area. He was born in Schenectady, on January 6, 1967. He was 47 years old.

Robert was known as Rob, or Bob as he liked to be called in later years, like his dad. He will always be Robbie to many old friends and family.

Rob was not a man with many friends, but if you were lucky to know him, you found a guy with a big heart, a pleasant demeanor and a witty, dry sense of humor. He was very clever and dedicated to his cat, Zoey, and his sister, whom he loved so much. Every holiday, special occasion and other days, he would share with Karen and Ray. He was, after all, family and loved to go home with leftovers. Rob wasn't a great cook, but liked to eat!

A 1985 graduate of Niskayuna High School, Rob went to HVCC for 2 years and then continued his studies and graduated in 1996 from St. Rose with a BA in Criminal Justice.

Sadly, his health was a lifelong struggle and Rob could not work a full time job. He did enjoy his security job at the Saratoga Race Track. He always bragged that he had met and petted 4 Star Dave, his favorite racehorse.

Rob was a wonderful volunteer, dedicating over 20 years working for the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. He also worked for the WMHT auctions for several years. Rob was always willing, and ready to help The "2 Kates" of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, doing mailings and keeping them laughing. They say he was thoughtful, generous and awesomely sarcastic and loved the Kit Kat bars.

Everyone knows Rob was a Star Trek fan, forever collecting some great memorabilia and spending many hours in talks of all things Trekky and deep, thought provoking conversations with his best friend of over 30 years, Andrew Rowell. A true gentleman, he would open doors for people, share a smile at strangers, and perhaps say something funny. Robert loved his family with all his heart and was never without his cane and baseball hat.
Robert was the son of the late Robert J. Slater and Marilyn (Moffett) Slater of Niskayuna.

He is survived by his loving sister, Karen (Slater) Peter and her husband, Raymond W. Peter, Jr. of Colonie, who was like a second brother; his brother, James R. Slater and his wife, Barbara Slater of Niskayuna; his only niece, Erin (Slater) Suzuki and her husband, Peter of Ballston Spa; aunt Marylou and uncle George Moffett of Malta, aunt Kathy (Moffett) and uncle Peter Quinn of Scotia. He is also survived by 36 cousins and was proud of his big Irish family.

Robert is predeceased by his grandparents, Fire chief Edward Moffett and Imelda (Mace) Moffett of Schenectady. He was uncle to his only nephew, Brian James Slater (deceased) whom he loved so much.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 1:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Calling hours will precede the service from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Donations may be made in Rob's name to: Orange Street Cats, 139 Potic Creek Rd., Earlton, NY 12058 or at www.orangestreetcats.org or Whiskers Animal Benevolent League, PO Box 11190, Albany, NY 12211.