ALBANY – It is with great sadness that the Powers family announces the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Robert Powers, on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Robert Patrick Powers was born in Utica, NY on October 14, 1934. He was the sixth of seven children born to Florence “Mam” Edgar and Thomas A. Powers.
Bob grew up in Utica, NY and attended area schools. After graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1953, he began a career in sales and started working for the AC Delco division of General Motors. Over a career lasting 40 years, Bob made many friends and logged countless miles driving across New York state for his job duties.
Following his retirement in 2000, Bob continued to enjoy life with his family, attending various ball games and taking his daily walks. During the week, he could often be found at his favorite coffee shop and bakery, the Bella Napoli, holding court with his many friends.
Bob enjoyed most his role as father and grandfather, helping in a variety of roles like coaching and encouraging all of his children and grandchildren’s endeavors. He was not only a great father to his own kids but a beloved parental figure to others in the community. Bob could often be found with a full car filled with children tagging along on road trips to games, concerts and other events.
Possessed with tremendous energy and endless enthusiasm for life, Bob was blessed with many friends and was known for bringing people together. He had a reputation for having the “Gift of Gab” as well as for his kindness and generosity. For many years, Bob was the central male figure of the extended Powers clan and was looked up to by all.
Bob’s biggest passion was sports, especially high school and college basketball. Friends often marveled at his stamina in seeing up to three games in the same day. He enjoyed watching games at Schuyler High School and was a regular presence at Siena College and Christian Brothers Academy games for many decades, long after his own kids had finished school there. Bob was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 70 years, and was a long time communicant of the former Holy Cross Church and Blessed Sacrament Church.
Bob greatly enjoyed traveling yearly each summer to see family and friends in Cooperstown and Old Forge, NY, as well as to New York City. A voracious reader, he also enjoyed reading many newspapers and books nightly and learning more about his Irish heritage, history, and area politics.
In 2014, Bob suffered a severe stroke with many lingering effects, though he continued to be a loving presence for his family and attended numerous social engagements until he entered St. Peter’s rehabilitation in late 2021.
Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen; his four sons, Thomas, Robert II(Michelle), Christopher, and Stephen (Cini); his five grandchildren, Maximus, Sadie, and Rory Powers, and Anissa and Tessa Powers; one sister, Rosemary Davies (Dorance); one sister-in-law Gretchen Haight; two brothers-in-law, Harry Goodson and John Banks; and many nieces and nephews along with their children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Florence and Thomas Powers; five sisters; Eileen Powers, Patricia McGuire (Raymond), Joanne Capstraw (Ross), Theresa Goodson, Naomi Banks; and one brother William (Karol).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Friday morning in Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date in St Joseph’s cemetery near Utica, NY. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Christian Brothers Academy, 12 Airline Dr, Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family or to obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com
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Priscilla Stewart
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Frank and I chatting with “Mr. Basketball “ at many games over the years.
Lauri
To the family of Mr Powers:
Truly a great man loved by many and forgotten by few.
Thought prayers and deepest condolences go out to all of you. May God provide you the strength during this difficult time.
Always remember the fond memories; they can never be taken away
William Koren
Tom, I’m very sorry about the loss of your dad. My condolences to you, your family, and friends of your father.
The Maher Family
Condolences to our dear family friends. Bob has been the very best lifelong friend to our father. We are so blessed to have him as our friend, uncle and godfather. Love, Jim, Steve, Jeffrey, Elizabeth and Joshua Maher
Malio J. Cardarelli
It was only recently that I committed myself to relocating my old friend Bob Powers, who was so instrumental in resurrecting some of the important happening of the Utica Blue Sox at McConnell Field in Utica. Bob, as batboy for the Blue Sox in its heyday so long ago, was an important source of information for my writing on the old ball field and the notables who played there, most especially Ettore “Yogi” Giammarco. Unfortunately, several years ago I lost my email address listing, along with Bob’s address, a rather serious interruption of our friendship made more difficult by his home in Albany and mine in New Hartford. Nevertheless, I was most sorry to learn of his passing in our local newspaper, certainly not how I wanted to reconnect with him. I, along with my wife Dorothy, extend our sincere sympathy to Mary Ellen and all in Bob’s family for what we know is a significant loss.
Brendan Powers
Aunt Mary Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bob was beloved by all. Whenever I was with him, I not only felt his presence, but the presence of my father, who he had such a wonderful bond with. I know your loss is immeasurable, but know that we all mourn his loss. Love, Brendan and Linda Powers
John Banks, Jr.
Dear Powers clan, please let me give you my condolences from the Banks family. I will always cherish talking sports with Uncle Bob. It was always so interesting with him. I will miss him very much. May his soul Rest In Peace. Thank you for all your love and hospitality. Stay well and strong. John Jr. and John Sr.
Janet Maher Durr
Dear Mary ELlen and family, I am so sorry about Bob’s death. He was a gift to our entire family. He and we spent a lot of time in each others houses on Kemble St. My Father thought he should help guide Bob into adulthood. One day he asked Bobif he would like a fig newton cookie…Bob said “I don’t care” so my Father put the cookies away without giving him one. Bob always said yes please or no thank you after that. He drove me to NYC to get material for my bridesmaid dressed. I came back with 3 6′ bolts of material…he never said a word to me. I have no idea how he got them into the car. He was always there for everyone in our family. He often would show up at my childrens games in New Hartford because he was passing thru. Many many good time. A loyal friend. He will be missed. by many of us. All blessings to all of you at this sad time. Love, Janet Durr
Natalie Lorenz Anderson
Bob, and family – I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father last week. The obituary describes a man with great spirit, compassion and impact on his extended family. May you have wonderful memories to carry with you and peace in the days to come.