Robert E. Racette Sr.

Robert E. Racette, Sr, (Bob),96 years old of Plattsburgh, died on February 27, 2026, surrounded by family.

He was born in Clayburg, NY, June 30,1929, the eldest son of the Late Ernest Albert and Isabelle Mary (Dubrey) Racette. He grew up on a farm, the oldest of ten children. This engrained in him a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic that was present throughout his life.

After graduating from Sallaz Academy, he joined the US Air Force and served for three years during the Korean War, flying active combat missions as a tail gunner on a B-29 Superfortress based in Japan. As a country boy, he considered his service to be an adventure of a lifetime.

After the Air Force, he worked briefly at General Electric and then took a position at Montgomery Ward on a full time, then part-time, basis over 25 years as a Display and Store Planning Manager. This played to his talents as an artist and craftsman with a keen eye for detail.

Bob married Alice Elizabeth Turner, on June 21,1954 at St Alexander's Church in Morrisonville. They settled in Dannemora where they raised their two children, Jane and Rob. Bob and Alice were a loving, devoted couple for over 71 years.

In 1956, he began his career with the New York State Department of Correctional Services, retiring after 35 years as a Lieutenant and Watch Commander at the Clinton Correctional Facility.

Bob was a great believer in the importance of education, earning a bachelor's degree while working two jobs.

As busy as he was, he still made time for family, playing ball in the backyard, engaging in wild ping pong games, taking his family on camping trips, and memorable vacations. Later, he loved doting on his grandchildren.

Bob was active in the Plattsburgh community, serving on the County Senior Citizens Council. Bob and Alice were members of the Saint John XXIII Newman Center where he served on the building and grounds committee.

Bob had many hobbies. He was an accomplished artist and craftsman. He grew beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Bob was a prolific writer and served as the family historian. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed photography, and was a great fan of the Yankees.

Bob took a North Country Honor Flight to celebrate his 90th birthday. Given that he was so proud of his military service, this served as a very moving, full-circle moment for him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Alice, his daughter Jane (Michael) Kanfer, a son Robert (Kathy) Jr, his grandchildren, Joe (Pam) Kanfer, Rebecca (Antonio) Kanfer, Alex (Keri) Racette, Nicole Racette and Tori (Derrick) Rokjer, and eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ceil Johnson, and brother, Ken (Kathy) Racette, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Belle, sisters, Belle, Elizabeth, Patricia, Geraldine, and brothers Donald, Gerald, and Eugene.

Calling hours will be held on Friday March 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday March 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North Country Honor Flights.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 (518) 561-3980.

Family and friends are invited to share on-line condolences and memories at BrownFuneralHome.com