Robert ‘Bob’ Bajardi, 71, of Red Hook
AUG. 26, 1946 - OCT. 20, 2017
RED HOOK » Robert “Bob” Bajardi, 71, of Red Hook, N.Y., passed away with family by his side on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck.
Born Aug. 26, 1946, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Bob was the son of the late Bernard and Helen (Kladis) Bajardi and brother to Barney, Janice, and Tom.
A licensed master plumber, Bob ran Lane Plumbing & Heating in Putnam Valley for eight years, was the Director of Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning at Arlington Central Schools for ten years, and Director of Facilities at Hyde Park Central Schools for two years before retiring. He also served as an instructor of HVAC systems at Dutchess County BOCES.
Bob was deeply spiritual, practicing the ways of the Lakota for many years. He believed “Mitakuye Oyasin” (All are related) and treated all he encountered accordingly. He found peace in the Catskill Mountains, at the shores of the Hudson River, and was a contributor to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
He was politically active throughout his life and instilled in his children a passion for staying informed and taking action whenever inspired.
Robert is survived by his wife, Sandra Costakis, and a son, Robert James Bajardi, who reside in Red Hook, N.Y. In addition, Bob is survived by his adult children: Lane Bajardi and wife Kimberly of Hoboken, N.J., Raissa Carey and husband Kevin of Red Hook, N.Y., Devin Bajardi and wife Kisha of Denver, Colo., Troy Bajardi and wife Kristina of Rochester, N.Y., Chiara Bajardi and husband Andrew Litz of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his grandchildren: Patrick and Lili Carey, Benjamin, Elena, Cyrus, and Vincent Bajardi; along with extended family and innumerable friends.
“May the stars carry your sadness away,
May the flowers fill your heart with beauty,
May hope forever wipe away your tears,
And, above all, May silence make you strong.”
Calling hours will be held at the Burnett & White Funeral Home, Red Hook, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, from 2 to 5 p.m. All are welcome to join the family Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, to reflect on Bob’s journey and celebrate times shared from 1 to 5 p.m. at 38 Mountain Drive, Hunter, N.Y.
Spreading of ashes will be a private family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lakota People’s Law Project (www.lakotalaw.org).
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y.
For directions or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.BurnettWhite.com.