Robert S. Beattie, Sr

Robert S. Beattie, Sr., devoted husband, cherished father, grandfather and loyal friend, passed away on July 5, 2026, at the age of 87. His family meant the world to him, and he leaves behind a deep legacy of love, faith, and family values. Born and raised in Troy, N.Y., he is the son of S. Douglas Beattie and Anne McCaffrey Beattie.

He is a graduate of LaSalle Institute in Troy and Siena College, class of 1960.  In his youth he enjoyed sports including hockey, tennis, golf and baseball.  He also led the marching band at LSI.  Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Later in life he enjoyed gardening, running and playing golf, especially with his golf league friends, where the companionship of the car rides and lunches were often times more enjoyable than the golf.

More recently, his happiest times were sitting in the backyard reading the paper, doing the crossword and enjoying an ice-cold PBR with friends and neighbors. Bob will be remembered for his widespread generosity, most thoughtfully exhibited during the holiday season and on the many Beattie Family vacations to Sandbridge Beach. He was a kind, warm person who very quickly made an impact on those he met.

Bob’s career included serving as a supervisor in the Rensselaer County Probation Department, Executive Director of the Van Rensselaer Manor, and acting director of the New York State Health Department's Bureau of Long-Term Care Services. Bob will also be fondly remembered for his time spent as a basketball referee and bartender at the Elks Lodge.

He was a long-time active communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister and active member of the bereavement ministry and Men’s Club.  Bob was a devoted member of the Babcock Lake community where he spent countless days surrounded by friends and family, fostering a love of ‘the lake’ in his children and grandchildren.

Bob was reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Gloria Mastrogiacomo Beattie, who passed away in 1994, and mother to their seven children, his dear daughter, Suzanne Beattie and his much-loved second wife Patricia Jillisky O'Keefe to whom he married in 2000. He leaves behind a beautiful, large family who will miss him dearly.

Bob’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his children, Sheila Beattie, mother of Julianna, Danielle and Andrea, Karen (Charles) Claus, parents of Joshua, Alicia and Spencer, Robert (Peggy) Beattie, parents of Sydney, Matthew and Allison, the late Suzanne Beattie, mother of Kelsey, Kevin (Stacey) Beattie, parents of Nolan and Ella, Laurie (Paul) Kokkinides, parents of Nickolas, Gloria, Michael, and Maria, and Mary Margaret (John) Brown, parents of Jack, Owen and Adam and six great grandchildren.

He also leaves behind Pat’s wonderful family including Mary (Mark) Russman, Jim (Alicia) O'Keefe, Jack (Susan) O'Keefe, Kevin (Roseanne Murphy) O'Keefe, Peggy (Victor) Molnar, Eileen (Keith) McDermott, Sharon (John) Dooley, Patrick (Courtney) O'Keefe and 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are Bob's sisters, Patricia (the late Tom) McGraw and Joan (Steve) Andersen, and sister-in-law Margaret Casey (the late Patrick). He was predeceased by his brother Doug (Sharon) Beattie and sister-in-law Cathy (the late James) Seaman.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday, July 21, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Michael’s Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on July 22 at St. Michael's Church with burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Troy. 

Live stream for funeral mass https://youtube.com/@stjudetheapostleandstmicha7523

Bob’s family would like to offer sincere thanks to the staff of Albany Medical Center and the Schenectady Center for their care, kindness and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Scleroderma Research Foundation at https://srfcure.org/ in honor of Gloria Beattie.

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