Obituary of Robert C. Niles

DELMAR - Robert C. Niles, born July 30, 1925, the only child of Charles Martel Niles and Pearl (Teale) in Oriskany, NY, died peacefully Nov. 1st at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's. He graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1943 and was inducted to the Army in October of that same year. He served with Company G of the 180th Infantry Thunderbirds as a Private 1st class until he was wounded near Lourges France August 1944. He trained at Camp Croft SC, and served in the Asiatic-Pacific, European-African and Middle Eastern Campaigns as well as in Arno, France and Rome. After he was wounded he was transferred to the Depot Medical Department, Co. G, 45th Div, 17th General Hospital and received a Meritorius Service award along with his unit. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 1960 with a B.A. and in 1964 with a M.A in Education. Bob's long and varied career included Private Investigation, World Book Manager, 25 years as a Elementary & Middle School teacher of Social Studies and Math at South Colonie Central School District, and tutoring. He was most proud of many years as a volunteer as trainer for the AARP Driver Safety program, and as a mediator with the Community Dispute Resolution Centers and CASA Programs of the NYS Unified Court System. An accomplished keyboardist, he was always a lover of music, and in recent years, Bob has enjoyed performing with "The Joytones" a singing group associated with the Alzheimer's Association. He was predeceased by his parents and a son, Kipp. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Marilyn (Petruska), his sons Barry (Lynette Hamel) of Leominster MA, Rick (Lisa) of Leominster MA, David of Guilderland and C. J. Fearnley (Jeannie Moberly) of Upper Darby, PA. He is also survived by his daughters Becky Niles (William) Letko of Voorheesville, Michele Fearnley (Heath) Suddleson of Potomac,MD and Brenda Hart of Dacono, CO. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jennifer Niles, Christopher Niles, Ryan Ghosh and Nicholas Suddleson. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave., Delmar on Thursday at 11am. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 5 Computer Dr W # 100, Albany, NY 12205 or The Alzheimers Association, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.