Robert L. Haines

Robert L. Haines died suddenly September 24, 2014 at the Mercy Care Life Center. Born in Far Rockaway, New York to Edward and Gladys Diamond Haines, Bob later moved to Albany where he married the love of his life the late Joan Zimmerman. Bob served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953. Bob along with his brother-in-law Bud operated the Shell Station in Westmere (currently the Mobile Station). He was a charter member of the Westmere Fire Department, the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce and the Guilderland Elks. He was also a member of Boyd Hilton VFW Post and the Knights of Columbus. Bob served as Vice-president of the Guilderland Board of Education and was an Albany County Legislator representing Guilderland's 32nd district during the 1980s. In that capacity, Bob served on the Albany Civic Center ("Knick" Arena) committee. Bob directed and coached the Westlawn Bowling Lanes' Junior Bowling league for many years. His joys in life were the family camp at Sacandaga, golfing with friends, skiing with his kids and assisting in leadership and known as "Uncle Bob" in the Altamont Reformed Church Youth Group. He considered his grandchildren his greatest legacy. Bob retired from Prudential Insurance after 27 years. After his retirement, he operated Haines Insurance along with his son Jeff and later worked for Mercury Insurance, finally retiring at the age of 83. Bob is survived by his son Jeffrey (Barbara), daughter Deborah (Steve) Ritzko, son Robert (fiancee Lynne Buchanan), daughter Barbara (Brian) Newton, daughter Kimberly (Tom) Wagner, eight grandchildren: Lindsey, Danny, Emily, Kyle, Kate, Jocelyn, Stephen and Christopher; three great grandsons: Carson, Cooper and Brayden and one great granddaughter Delaney and "adopted" daughter Linda Griggs, sister-in-law Ronnie Zimmerman, cousin Carol Hedrick and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister Carol and brother Kimball. Relatives and friends may call between the hours of 5-8 PM, Monday 9/29 at the Fredendall Funeral Home 199 Main St, Altamont; funeral service will be held at Altamont Reformed Church, 129 Lincoln Avenue, 11:00 AM on Tuesday 9/30. In lieu of flowers a remembrance may be made to the Altamont Reformed Church Youth Group. The family thanks the Mercy Care Life Center for their compassion and care. Online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com