Obituary of Robert C. Maxwell

Mr. Robert C. Maxwell, 81, of East Greenbush, NY died peacefully Thursday, March 9, 2017 following a brief illness. Born in Amsterdam, NY on May 13, 1935 he was the only son of the late Robert and Evelyn Walsh Maxwell. Bob graduated in 1952 from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School, and later went on to attend and graduate from Norfolk Naval Shipyard Apprentice School in 1957, Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA in 1976 and San Diego State University in 1980. During 1958 until 1960, Bob served proudly in the United States Army with the 8th Artillery Squadron in the 25th Division in Hawaii. On a break from early training in 1958, he was united in marriage to Irene Helen Rackauskas in St. Casimir's Church in Amsterdam. Together for nearly 59 years, they lived a wonderful life together, living in Hawaii, California, and New York. Bob was employed as a contracts manager with Naval Sea Systems Command. Upon retiring from civil service, he built his own consulting firm to guide and assist subcontractors so they could qualify to bid and work on federal contracts. He also worked for San Diego County as an accountant, taught negotiation tips and techniques for a San Diego Seminar and was a manager for Campbell Industries. A religious and civic minded fellow, Bob was always involved in the communities that he lived in. He was a member of Toastmasters International, served on several boards, taught religious education and mentored high school students. He enjoyed being involved and helped to change laws that he viewed as improper. Following his retirement, in 2000 Bob and Irene decided to move back to their home state of New York to enjoy the four seasons once more. In 2003 he was elected the first president of the Hudson- Mohawk Chapter #2340 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He enjoyed the responsibility of his position and worked tirelessly to ensure the successful merging of the Albany, Troy and Schenectady chapters of the capital region to achieve the goals of NARFE. He was also a devout Catholic Christian throughout his life, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was currently a parishioner of Church of the Holy Spirit in East Greenbush. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife, Irene and as Bob would comment "The Highlight of My Life"; his son, Robert and his wife Julia; several cousins; and many loyal friends. A prayer service will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 10:15a.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. Jeffrey M. L'Arche M.S. as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Casimir's Cemetery, Amsterdam. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 from 4 until 6p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org/donate Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com