ALBANY – Robert A. Blendell, 86, of Albany, passed away Monday, May 1, 2017 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Bob was the first in his family to earn a diploma, graduating from Albany High School in 1950. He served as a private first class and tanker in the command headquarters of the 1st Armored Division of the US Army at Fort Hood from 1951-53 during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he briefly studied at Siena College and was employed as a computer operator during the early era of mainframe computing. He ultimately worked for the NYSDOT as a Senior Supervising Computer Operator for over 30 years.
For many years, Bob coached at National Little League and Albany Central Babe Ruth and was a Scoutmaster for Troop 49, affectionately known as “Sarge” for his gruff demeanor. He was a lifetime member of the Italian American Community Center and enjoyed an active retirement, spending his winters in Florida and traveling across the country and Europe. He had a curious and active mind, maintaining interests in history, nature, and the latest computer technology. Due to a disability, he used a mobility scooter outdoors, taking frequent daily rides throughout the Albany Municipal Golf Course neighborhood and was affectionately known as “the Mayor” and “Scooter.”
Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances (née Rosetti), his son Karl, and his grandson Brendan, both of Guilderland; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John A. and Helen Veronica (née Jones); and his siblings Edward, Margaret, Joseph, Rita, Louis, and Thomas.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Friday morning at 8:15 a.m., and from there to All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany (behind CVS), at 9:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Mary Frances & Mary Gerace
Dear Fran, Karl & Brendan,
We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Bob will be missed. He was so much fun to be around. I will treasure our memories ! We love you! Take care. ❤️
Mary Finley
I’m so sorry to hear about Bob passing on. Will miss his visits here in The Villages, which he so enjoyed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With love, Mary Finley
Ray Graber
Karl,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I have many fond memories of your parents when we were growing up together – your Mom and Dad were great parents and treated us (your friends) very well. Those were good times! Please let me know if you are ever out my way.
Ray
Jeanne L. Sterzinger
Oh, my, Fran. My heartfelt sympathy to you and the family.
God bless and guide you at this sad time.