Robert F. Rusiecki

Rusiecki, Robert F.
COHOES - Robert F. Rusiecki, 82, of Cohoes, N.Y., passed away surrounded by the love of his family at Albany Medical Center, late on Saturday, September 6. Born on August 30, 1943, to Edward and Henrietta Baran Rusiecki, Robert lived a full and dedicated life rooted in family, community, and service. After high school, Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending four years stationed in Puerto Rico. On July 18, 1964, on what he always remembered as a very hot and humid day, he married the love of his life, Iris T. LaMarche. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage and raised three children, Christopher, Robert Jr., and Vanessa. Robert's career with New York State in the Department of Social Services computer division spanned decades until his retirement in 1999. Long before computers became commonplace, he had a natural gift for technology, and was known as a "genius" and master of the computer. He was a lifetime member of the Cohoes Knights of Columbus Council #192, serving as treasurer for a few years. He also sat on the City of Cohoes planning board. More than anything, Robert was a devoted father and grandfather. He was an active coach in Cohoes Little League, Cohoes Babe Ruth, and Cohoes Girls' Softball, and was a founding member of both the Cohoes Marching Band Booster Club and the Cohoes High School Girls Basketball Booster Club. He never missed a game, concert, play or dance recital, his family's greatest supporter in every endeavor. In retirement, Robert and Iris traveled widely, with Ireland becoming an unexpected favorite destination, visiting five times despite his initial reluctance to go even once. At home, he found joy in tending his vegetable garden and flowers, pursuing crafts such as stained glass and diamond painting, and sharing his love of reading, music, tv shows, movies and pop culture. His current two year daily reading streak was a point of pride, and he was deeply frustrated when illness interrupted it. Robert will be remembered for his wide ranging talents, his curiosity, his humor, and his boundless devotion to his family. He was truly a Renaissance man, with a snake bite. He was predeceased by two granddaughters, Abbigail and Lily Rusiecki; and his sister, Helen Boivin. He is survived by his beloved wife, Iris; his children and their spouses, Christopher and Heather Rusiecki, Robert Jr. and Deborah Rusiecki, and Vanessa and John Shanahan; his grandchildren, Ryan (Tessa) Rusiecki, Emily (Jasiel) Lora, Amelia Rusiecki, Isabella Rusiecki, Lauren Shanahan and Carissa Shanahan; and many extended family members and friends, who will forever cherish his memory. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his sister-in-law, Terri LaMarche, whose love, compassion, and tireless care for Robert and Iris will always be remembered with deep gratitude. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Dufresne Funeral Home, Inc., 216 Columbia St., Cohoes, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Waterford on Thursday, at 11:00 a.m. For condolences, www.dufresnefuneralhome.com