Robert N. Van Allen

Robert Nicholas Van Allen, 92, of Amsterdam, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025, what he would refer to as "his two month Birthday."
A lifelong city resident, Bob was born on December 13, 1932 and was the last living child of the late William and Elizabeth Bont Van Allen Sr. He grew up on Caroline Street, in Amsterdam's West End and was a graduate of St. Mary's Institute.
He began his career at General Electric at the age of 18. He was called up to active duty and served with the United States Navy from 1953 until 1957 as a Hospital Corpsman. He returned home, and continued employment at GE until his retirement in 1996, after 45 years of service. Bob was also employed at Mount Loretto Nursing Home for a short time.
On October 7, 1967 he was united in marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Madeline LaBate. That union was blessed with nearly 60 years of marriage.
Most notably, he was known as "Uncle Bob" and for over 50 years he made cakes for weddings, showers, baptisms, parties or whenever someone wanted a sweet treat. He always had a tale to tell and a story to share and had customers all over the capital district.
Bob was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and was a member of the Holy Name Society and an usher. Known to his family as "Uncle Nicky" he was always late to the party but always came with cake and a joke to share. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was predeceased by his siblings, William H. Van Allen Jr. and Rosemary V. Francisco; and his nieces, Linda V. Luzinas and Kathleen F. Rose.
Survivors include his wife, Madeline Van Allen; beloved daughter, Nancy Van Allen; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with The Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis E.V. as celebrant. Private Inurnment will take place in Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Grotto in St. Michael's Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 5p.m. until 7p.m. at the Rose & Hughes Funeral Home, 200 Church Street, Amsterdam. Please visit the online memorial at www.roseandhughesfh.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago IL 60601 or www.alz.org
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