MECHANICVILLE - Robert F. Gould, Sr, 77, of South Main Street, died peacefully st St. Peter's Hospital on February 1, 2021 after several medical issues over the past few months. Born June 22, 1943, he was the son of the late Orville and Evelyn Beehm Gould.
Affectionately known as "Uncle Buck", he worked for Bobrick Washroom Supplies in Clifton Park for over 20 years. He also worked for Gore Mountain Ski Resort as a ski lift operator for many years. After retiring from Bobricks, Buck started a new venture running his own lawn care company, The Lawn Doctor, which he successfully operated for over 15 years.
Buck was most notably famous in our area, not as Bob or Buck, but as Santa Claus. His natural long white beard entertained thousands of families in our area over the years, especially at yearly Elks, Fire House, private home or Quick Response Christmas events. He was a 36 year member of the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks, Hemstreet Park Fire Department, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Saratoga #2586. He was also a founding member of the Crane Mountain Sportsman Club, Thurman, NY, a place very dear to him.
Buck thoroughly enjoyed hunting, motorcycle rides, NASCAR, the outdoors, and being with friends.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Mary Frances Scarati Gould, whom he ,married February 24, 1979, children Tina Watchob, Robert Gould Jr, Danielle(Patrick) Riley, granddaughter Parker Riley, siblings Shirley(Bill) Fredette and Deborah Woods and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Gina Gould and brother Orville "Buddy" Gould.
A gathering of friends will be held on Monday from 5-7 PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville. Pandemic guidelines will be followed, such as social distancing, wearing of masks. A Private service will be held after conclusion of visitation, regrettably with attendance limited to family and invited guests.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Colon Cancer Foundation, Colon Cancer Foundation, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite M-06, Port Chester, New York, 10573 in loving memory of Robert F. Gould Sr.