Robert A. Thomas

Robert A.”Bobby” Thomas, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25th, 2015 after a brief illness under the very excellent care and compassion of the staff of the MedSurg unit at St. Mary’s Healthcare, knowing his family loved him and will miss him.

Robert was born January 18th, 1943 in Amsterdam, NY to Robert A. Thomas and Ruth Miller Thomas.

He attended Wilbur H. Lynch High School in the 1960s. He was employed by the State of New York by what is now called the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, working his way up to a House Manager position at the end of his career. In that time he also owned and ran Brandenburg Kennels and helped train dogs. Still having energy and interests after retiring he went back to work at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course and then Bosco’s Restaurant. He loved the many people he worked with at both places and the friends he made serving customers. Many will remember him as “Bobby” and the friendliness he had towards others.

Robert enjoyed the solitude of fishing and missed hunting in his later years. He loved bowling but that love was replaced by golf which he played until he physically couldn’t. He had many family members he recounted often and loved telling stories about his uncles, especially Uncle Eddie, who was the best man at his wedding, and a lifelong friend and advisor. He was a member of the Irish American Club, Polish American Club and the Moose Lodge in Appomattox, VA.
Cooking was his biggest passion in his last years. He enjoyed sharing recipes and cooking Italian cuisine.

Robert was pre-deceased by his Father and Mother, Robert and Ruth.

He is survived by his only sibling, a sister Sheila (Jerry) Palomar of Appomattox, VA. He spent many vacations there enjoying their company during visits and recounting stories about their family. Also surviving are his three sons, Robert (Beth) Thomas, III of Fort Plain, NY; Michael (Laureen Gertis-Lander) of Gloversville, NY and Timothy (Sue Cameron) of Johnstown, NY, three grandsons, one granddaughter, two nephews and one niece. He would want to mention several friends who filled his life with joy and the trips he made with them. He often spoke of them in such high regard including Lynn K., Neil K., Dave G., Dave G., Becky W., Ron B., Joe M. and Loopie.

Though gone, we will remember most that he loved to be with others and laugh. In lieu of flowers it is asked that donations be addressed to: either Montgomery County SPCA. P.O. Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166, because he loved the cats and dogs that he had throughout his life Also we know that’s the way he would have wanted it.

A memorial service will be held Friday November 6, 2015 at 6 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Cremation was held at Park View Crematorium in Schenectady, NY.

Relatives and friends may call at the Riley Mortuary from 4 to 6 p.m., prior to the service.

Final inurnment will be at Broadalbin - Mayfield Rural Cemetery