Glens Falls
Robert V. Taft, a resident of Glens Falls, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at Washington Center in Argyle, NY.
Born on March 28, 1938 in Yonkers, NY, he was the son of the late Dr. Richard H. and Gertrude (Taylor) Taft.
Robert (Bob) spent much of his life in Hastings-on-Hudson. Upon graduating Alfred University with a degree in speech, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, where he wrote for the base newspaper until 1967.
Most people remember him for his long career as a letter carrier, beginning in Yonkers and later transferring to Glens Falls in 1980, where he spent the bulk of his career. After retiring from the Post Office, he worked part-time at Hannaford Super Market where he made many good friends. Bob was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation where he also made many lifelong friends.
Bob was always an avid sports fan. As a young man he was a talented baseball player and continued to enjoy the sport throughout his life. Growing up he was a loyal fan of the NY Giants baseball team and remained a fan even after the franchise moved to San Francisco. He could often be seen around town in either his SF Giants baseball cap, or his Buffalo Bills cap, as he was a long time Bills fan as well.
Bob was also quite a golf enthusiast, playing regularly for many years with his dear friend Neil Leonelli. In his earlier years he would often win long drive competitions, and even shot a hole-in-one at the Tee Bird Country Club in 1998.
Left to cherish his memory include his daughter, April Rist and her husband Mark of Clear Lake, WI and their daughters, Mara and Anessa; his son, Jason Hargrove and wife Robin of Sidney, ME and their children, Hannah, Owen & Katie; his son, Shane Taft of Seattle, WA; daughter Shannon Williams and her husband Stephen of Hudson Falls, NY; his brother, William Taft and wife Liane; his sisters, Margo Beaman and her husband John, Donna Coyner and husband Buzzy; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, along with his former wife Lorraine, with whom he continued to have a special and valued friendship.
Friends may call from 10 to 11am on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main St. So. Glens Falls, NY 12803. For online condolences and to view Robert’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.
As Robert’s wishes were to be cremated, a private ceremony will be held by the family at a later date to honor his memory.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that any Memorial Donations be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 21 Weeks Road, Queensbury, NY or mailing of PO Box 534, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or to the charity of one’s choice.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his many compassionate caregivers at Washington Center, especially, Jaime, Gabe, Maria, Pedro, Donna, Concetta, Afeisha, & Colleen, and the many others who helped out during his stay.
Always a lover of a funny story or a silly joke, please remember Bob by paying it forward and bringing a smile to someone who needs one.