Robert Mark Stowell

Robert Mark Stowell
November 12, 1957 - January 10, 2026
Robert was born on November 12, 1957, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York, to Carroll (Smokey) and Wilberta Stowell. Robert lived a rich and full life, surrounded by family, love, faith, and music. His parents were deeply devoted to him, and very, very proud of the man he became - not just for what he accomplished, but for the way he loved, connected, and brought joy wherever he went. His siblings (Jane, David, and Nancy) were immeasurably blessed to grow up with Robert. He was a master teacher of patience, kindness, unconditional love, and most importantly, joy in everything! His sense of childlike wonder was instilled in them for their lifetimes.
The Schenectady ARC played a pivotal role in Robert's life. His parents, members of the "Greatest Generation", worked tirelessly, for decades, at both the local and state level, to establish programs for those that the ARC served. Robert began receiving services from ARC as a young child and completed his public schooling at the age of 21. He spent 47 years attending programs and receiving services from ARC at Maple Ridge Center, a place he truly loved and considered a second home. Maple Ridge served as a strong anchor for him as he navigated through different chapters in his life. He lived, with his family, on Myron Street in Niskayuna, until 2004. He then moved to the Schenectady ARC Lewis House in Scotia. He thrived there, with guidance from the amazing staff, and was able to live a fulfilling and independent life for 20 years! He was moved to Pauley House in Glenville, in August of 2024, by Liberty ARC.
Robert's greatest interests in life were traveling, the US Army and music. Robert was fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. When his parents were no longer able to travel, Robert would fly independently to visit his siblings for vacations and holidays. His interest in the Army stemmed from his father's service during WW2. He was proud to wear his "Army clothes" and patriotically wave the red, white and blue! His love of music began early, singing at church and with his family. For many years, Robert attended all of his siblings concerts and performances, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of music appreciation. He loved to emulate his brother, David, by conducting music. He spent many long and happy hours conducting his favorite composer, John Phillip Sousa! He also loved Broadway shows, with Phantom of the Opera as his favorite. He would delight in staging elaborate productions of Broadway shows starring his siblings, in-laws and nieces and nephews.
Everything about Robert spoke of the love that was at his core. He seemed to have an innate ability to read those around him. While walking through a store or any public place, he would wave or extend his hand to a stranger and ask, "How are you doing?". A slightly surprised look would cross the strangers face, followed by an immediate softening when they looked at Robert. Sometimes a short conversation would follow, but always the stranger would walk away with a smile. Their day changed for the better because of their encounter with Robert.
After a lengthy hospitalization last summer, he returned to his home at Pauley House, with hospice assistance and the loving and compassionate care of the Pauley House staff. A family photo hung above his bed, and he spent many hours gazing fondly at it and reliving happy memories. A few days preceding his death, while looking at the picture, he told a beloved caregiver, "I can't wait to go home!". He died peacefully at St. Peters Hospital on January 10th, surrounded by loving friends and family.
A memorial service will be held at Griswold Funeral Home on February 21st, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. He will be interred at Saratoga National Cemetery, with his parents, at a future time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Robert's memory be honored by greeting others with a kind word, a handshake or wave, and a smile.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Carroll and Wilberta Stowell. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses: Jane and Bob Bland of Denton, Texas; David and Jill Stowell of Chino, California; and Nancy and Tom Hinrichsen of Winchester, Virginia. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Becky Bland Bates, Ryan Bland, Micah Bland, Christy Stowell, Kevin Stowell, Kayla Hinrichsen and Olivia Hinrichsen, and great nieces and nephews. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.