Robert R. W. Green

Delmar - Robert R.W. Green, 83, passed away on July 15, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was born in Albany on March 8, 1931, the son of Reno and Frances (Martin) Green of Delmar. Bob was predeceased by Barbara (Pakenham), his wife of 52 years. He is survived by his beloved companion, Mildred Smith, of Latham and by his children Robert Jeffrey (Audrey) Green of R.I., Laura (Brian) Collier of Delmar, and Cynthia Lamitie of Delmar. Bob was grandfather to Kirk, Sarah, Evan, Ellen, Christopher, Michael and Matthew. Also, he was a great grandfather to Jeremy and Aine. Bob was also "step dad" to Linda Smith of MA and Joseph Smith of Troy. He was the big brother to William (Mary Ann) Green of Glens Falls and brother-in-law to Colleen Pakenham of CO. He was uncle to Deborah, Catherine, Nancy, Kenya, Andie, Robert and Megan. Bob was predeceased by son-in-law John Lamitie of Delmar and brother-in-law Edward Pakenham of CO. Bob was a 1949 Bethlehem Central graduate where he was a four-letterman athlete in baseball, track, football and basketball. After graduating from Bethlehem, he attended SUNY Delhi and then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1955. After his years of service, Bob had a distinguished career with the NY Telephone Co. as a dedicated and respected Building Engineer. He retired from NYT in 1987. After retirement, he consulted as a project manager for Architects and contractors in the Capitol District. Also, he and Barbara spent a great deal of time at their summer cottage in Cape Cod prior to her illness. Bob was a devoted and loved member of the First United Methodist Church of Delmar for over 50 years. He served in various leadership positions and volunteered his time generously. Bob cherished fellowship with other members of the Church. He faithfully attended Sunday services and rarely missed the opportunity to participate in the Men's Breakfast group and the Upper Room prayer group. Bob's greatest joys in life were his faith, his family and his friends. Bob was a "people person". He was a fun loving person that always enjoyed a good laugh and treasured a funny story. Bob was a sincere and compassionate man that cared deeply about the people around him. Bob cherished the relationships he had with the people in his life. He was always respectful, no matter the situation or person. Over the years, Bob gave freely of his time, providing assistance and comfort to countless family members, friends, and acquaintances. Bob was a "best friend" to so many. Before her death, Bob cared for his wife Barbara tirelessly for many years as she struggled with Alzheimer's disease. Throughout his life, Bob gave much of himself for many. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 21, 2014, from 4-7 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, and a celebration of his life on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Ave, Delmar, 439-9976. Donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Delmar, or the Alzheimer's Association of NENY, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.