Robert L. Reidy

Reidy, Robert L. AMSTERDAM Mr. Robert L."Bob" Reidy, 78, of Columbia Street, Amsterdam, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 4, 2016, at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born October 30, 1938, in Schenectady, the son of the late Irene (Dybas) Reidy. He attended school in Amsterdam, and was a graduate of St. Stanislaus School in 1952, and Wilbur H. Lynch High School, class of 1956. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September of 1956, and served until September of 1959. He attended Syracuse University and graduated from Empire State College in 1977 with a B.S. in business management. He graduated from St. Clare's School of X-ray Technology in 1961, and remained a New York State licensed X-ray technologist. Robert held many jobs over the course of his professional career, as a salesman for Pepsi-Cola, New York State Department of Health as an X-ray technician, St. Clare's Hospital as an X-ray technician, General Electric Company as a non-destructive technician, Amsterdam Memorial Hospital as a part- time X-ray technician. He was the owner and operator of the former Blaze Inn Tavern on East Main Street in Amsterdam, from 1968 to 1977. He then worked as the Montgomery County social services commissioner from 1983 until 2002. He and his wife, Barbara, also owned and operated the local ice cream truck from 1984 until 1994. He recently worked as an associate for Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes from 2003 until 2010, until taking a position with the City Of Amsterdam as employee relations director until 2015. He was very active in many organizations serving as a girls' basketball coach for Amsterdam CYO and the J.V. basketball and softball coach at the former Bishop Scully High School. He also served as president of the Amsterdam CYO Basketball Girls Division for 16 years. Mr. Reidy was very active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, especially in his local lodge Amsterdam #101. He served as exalted ruler from 1989-90, served as district deputy grand exalted ruler from 1999-2000, and served as the Lodge #101 secretary from 1990 until the present. He enjoyed attending State and Grand Lodge conventions, participating in the meetings and enjoying the comradery of the members in the Lodge and the district. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Church serving as lector and chairman of the School and Church Finance Committee. Robert was a member of the Sacred Heart Society, St. Stanislaus Holy Name Society, and a social member of the P.A.V. He served in various capacities on political committees for various candidates in Montgomery County. He was past president of Eastern Regional Commissioner Association 1985-1987 and past president of New York Public Welfare Association 1996 to 1997. Mr. Reidy received many awards and certificates throughout his career. He received a certificate of appreciation from the National Committee for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve. A proclamation from Montgomery County on March 31, 1990, naming Robert L. Reidy Day in support of being an officer in the Elks. He received a certificate of appreciation in recognition and commitment to the low income citizens of New York State from the New York State WIC Program. He received a plaque for appreciation and commitment to the Quality Child Care Children Services Network, and also received a plaque for dedication and support for Girls Athletic programs in our community. Bob also received the New York State Deptartment of Social Services Commissioner's Award for exceptional performance in achieving Home Relief participation in programs leading to self-sufficiency, and, an award for service as president to the New York State Public Welfare Association in 1997. Mr. Reidy also enjoyed taking trips with his loving wife and daughters, he especially enjoyed being a part of and biggest fan of his grandchildren's numerous endeavors. Bob was at one time a contestant on the TV game show Wheel of Fortune in 2004. He married Barbara A. Bloziecis on May 21, 1961. She passed away on July 29, 2007. Survivors include his four beloved daughters, Renee Lea Bramer and her husband, Darrell of Waldorf, Md.; Laura Lea Perry and her husband, Michael of Amsterdam; Deidre Lea Purcell and her husband, Timothy of Clifton Park; Alison Lea Reidy-Bialobok and her husband, Bruce of Lewisville, N.C.; six cherished grandchildren, Morgan, Reid and Stephen Perry, Corey and Madison Purcell, and Robert V. Bialobok; his aunt and godmother, Dorothy Lasky of Amsterdam; cousins, Dick and Mary Ann Dybas of Calif.; niece, Christine (Timothy) Waterson-Fromm; cousins, Kathleen "Kasha" Delongchamp, Richard Lasky, and Lydia Kosinski; grand-nieces, Chelsey and Leah Fromm; goddaughter, Jill Delongchamp Kelledy; his brother and dear friend, Dr. Govind Rao and his wife, Jyothi Rao of Amsterdam; dear friends, Victor and Josephine Sperduto and Louise Healy. He was preceded in death also by his mother, Irene Dybas Reidy; his grandparents, Catherine and Stephen Dybas; his sister, Patricia Ann Waterson; and uncle, Raymond Dybas; cousin and godchild, Lynn Lasky Case; godsons, Donald and Harry Yurgans; his dear friend and confidant, Richard "Dick" Healy; and his dear pet cats, Tundra and Skeeter. Bob's family would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Jeremiah Benoit, Nurses and Staff of the 4th Floor Maria Hall, St. Mary's Hospital, for the wonderful care, and to NYOH and Dr. DeJesus. Bob's family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, from 2 to 6 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, Cornell Street, Amsterdam. The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, Cornell Street, Amsterdam, with Father O. Robert DeMartinis presiding. A private christian burial will take place in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Elks Lodge #101 will conduct a service at 5 p.m. at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to Amsterdam Elks Lodge #101 Scholarship Fund, 8 Fourth Ave., Amsterdam, or to St. Stanislaus Cemetery Care Fund, 50-52 Cornell St., Amsterdam, NY 12010. Arrangements are under the direction of the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please leave condolences online at brbsfuneral.com.