Obituary of Robert A. Start Jr.

Robert A. Start Jr., 59, of Johnstown, New York, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024 at his home.  Robert was born on August 22, 1964 in Catskill, New York to the late Robert Start Sr. and Sandra Watson.

Robert proudly served his country for ten years in the United States Air Force from 1982 until 1992, and served in Operation Desert Storm. Throughout his military career he earned many medals and ribbons, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 OLC, NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 1 OLC, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 1 OLC, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 OLC, Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

After being discharged from the Air Force, Robert went on to work as a Corrections Officer at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. After many years working for Clark County, Robert retired and moved back to New York to be closer to his family, and share his years in retirement with them. 

Robert loved his family, and spent as much time as he could with his mother and father before they passed in 2021 and 2020, respectively. He also loved to spend time with his sisters, Renee South and her husband Don, and Michelle Start and her partner Frank Malatesta, who survive him, as well as many cousins.

When he wasn't hanging out with his family, Robert enjoyed attending casinos, and moderating the Facebook group Back the Badge. He also enjoyed fast and fancy cars, and was an incredibly proud patriot, and a life-long animal lover.

A funeral service will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY 12871 on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 10:30 in the morning, where he will be inurned in the columbarium wall. A celebration of Robert's life will be held at a later date, to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to a Veteran's charity of one's choosing. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, NY 12072.