Robert VanDetta

VanDetta, Robert
EAST GREENBUSH - On August 5, 2025, among his loving family, Robert "Bob" A. VanDetta Sr. finally found eternal rest, after a brief illness.
Bob was born in Troy, N.Y., on August 26, 1936, to Italian immigrants, Robert and Pasquelina (Colluccio) VanDetta. After the death of his mother in childbirth, he was raised in Mechanicville by his aunt, Tini; and uncle, Tony Delprete. Bob rejoined his father after his remarriage to Mary "Sizzy" (Falcone) VanDetta.
Bob joined the Empire State Grenadiers Drum and Bugle Corps at the age of 13, which later evolved into The Interstatesmen. His passion for drum corps lasted his entire life and was passed onto his children. He met his future wife, Nancy Pratt of Rensselaer, when she marched for Mt. St. John/Valiant Crusaders. They were married in 1959 and had four children.
Bob graduated from Mechanicville High School and HVCC. He worked for NYS Office of General Services as an electrical engineer for almost 40 years, a job which was a source of great enjoyment and pride for him. After retiring, he returned to a fulfilling job at Plumb Engineering for many more years. His work ethic defined him.
On the outside, Bob was a reserved, introverted man. In truth, he was a selfless, humble family man who could never appreciate how much his support impacted his children and was always concerned about their wellbeing right up to the very end. To those he felt most comfortable with, his humor came to life, and he was often the sought out relative at a family event for an inappropriate comment.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Nancy; his parents; and sister, Mary "Babe" (VanDetta) Nadeau.
He is survived by his children, Robert (Sarah) VanDetta, Kevin (Theresa) VanDetta, Mary (Tom) McCann, and Joseph (Saber) VanDetta; grandchildren, Leah, Matthew, Sara, Rachel, Olive, Luca, Lexi, Thea, and Eli; his great-grandson, Jaxon; and innumerable nieces and nephews.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff and "family" at Peregrine Crossgate, where he resided for the past nine and a half years. Sincere gratitude to Dr. John Pezzulo and Community Hospice for their professional, compassionate, and dignified care.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. A Mass of Christian Death and Burial will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, 54 Herrick St., Rensselaer. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob's name to Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, N.Y. 12208 or www.communityhospice.org
To leave online condolences, please visit www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com