Obituary for John Robert "Bob" VanDetta
MECHANICVILLE - John Robert "Bob" VanDetta, 92, died unexpectedly on January 13, 2022, the morning of his wife Florence's funeral, from what can only be explained as a broken heart. Born in Green Island on June 17, 1929, son of the late James and Catherine Lyons VanDetta, he was a 1947 graduate of Mechanicville High School, graduated Albany Business 1st in his class and later from Russell Sage. Bob was a star athlete during high school in Track & Field.
After college, Bob was drafted into the US Army, proudly serving for several months until the end of the Korean War in late 1953.
Bob worked for General Electric in both Waterford and Schenectady, as a Trade Show Presenter for 28 years. He then joined his brother William as they co owned and operated Exhibit Media in Mechanicville, which specialized in professional demonstrations and ad mailings. Bob was very proud of this and enjoyed thinking about and coming up with new product demonstrations that he would utilize at trade shows.
Bob, along with wife Florence, was very involved in St. Paul's Church and its programs. A religious ed teacher, counselor for Marriage Encounter, Holy Name Society, and a member of Cursillo were some of his fondest programs.
Bob was also a longtime member of the Henry F Lefko American Legion, Post 1644, Riverside.
Sadly, Bob was predeceased by his wife of 23 years, Florence Crouse-VanDetta, who died just 4 days before him, as well as his brothers William, Phillip and James VanDetta.
Bob is survived by several nieces, nephews and their families, as well as many members of Florence's family, including her son Jack, daughter Karen and their families.
Calling hour on Thursday from 11AM - 12PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 S Main St, Mechanicville, NY 12118 with a Funeral Home Service to follow. Military honors and burial immediately after at the Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY 12871. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to All Saints on the Hudson Church, 52 William Street, Mechanicville, NY 12118 in memory of Bob VanDetta.
After college, Bob was drafted into the US Army, proudly serving for several months until the end of the Korean War in late 1953.
Bob worked for General Electric in both Waterford and Schenectady, as a Trade Show Presenter for 28 years. He then joined his brother William as they co owned and operated Exhibit Media in Mechanicville, which specialized in professional demonstrations and ad mailings. Bob was very proud of this and enjoyed thinking about and coming up with new product demonstrations that he would utilize at trade shows.
Bob, along with wife Florence, was very involved in St. Paul's Church and its programs. A religious ed teacher, counselor for Marriage Encounter, Holy Name Society, and a member of Cursillo were some of his fondest programs.
Bob was also a longtime member of the Henry F Lefko American Legion, Post 1644, Riverside.
Sadly, Bob was predeceased by his wife of 23 years, Florence Crouse-VanDetta, who died just 4 days before him, as well as his brothers William, Phillip and James VanDetta.
Bob is survived by several nieces, nephews and their families, as well as many members of Florence's family, including her son Jack, daughter Karen and their families.
Calling hour on Thursday from 11AM - 12PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 S Main St, Mechanicville, NY 12118 with a Funeral Home Service to follow. Military honors and burial immediately after at the Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY 12871. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to All Saints on the Hudson Church, 52 William Street, Mechanicville, NY 12118 in memory of Bob VanDetta.