ROBERT J. ZELLWEGER

TROY - Robert “Bob” Zellweger, 67, died Friday April 27, 2018 at Samaritan Hospital of a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a gentle soul who touched many lives. Born February 1, 1951 in Troy, Bob was the son of the late Robert 2ellweger and Laura (McGrane) Zellweger. At a time when children born with Down’s Syndrome were institutionalized, his parents chose to raise Bob at home and, assisted by family and staff of the Rensselaer County ARC, encouraged him to achieve a productive and fulfilling life. And what a life it was!!! For many years, Bob worked at the Menands workshop, taking public transportation to and from work alone. After leaving the workshop, Bob worked briefly at a few other jobs, but his main contributions were made in volunteer work. He served as “Commissioner” of Central Little League for over 20 years. He was an active parishioner of St Patrick’s Church in Troy holding the title of “Head Usher.” He served on the board of the Rensselaer County ARC from 1999-2012. Bob was one of the first members of the Capital District Self Advocacy/ AmeriCorps Program, speaking on behalf of those with developmental disabilities. He was recognized for his volunteer services by the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office. Bob also did volunteer work at Eddy Heritage House, the Troy Public Library and Our Lady of Victory Church. Bob achieved the rank of 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus and was very proud of this accomplishment One of Bob’s greatest pleasures was attending the RPi hockey games. He was a season ticket holder for over 30 years. Bob loved “directing” the band as they played and talking to the many people who stopped by to say hello to him. Bob is survived by his cousins: Richard (Ellen) Ellis, Maureen Ellis Ramroth, Michael (Evelyn) Ellis, Amy (Sean) Dinn, Donna (Jim) Roarke, Megan Ramroth, Brendan ( Candace) Ramroth, Sallie ( Jack) McGrath, Dern (Donna) Murray, Tracey Murray, Toni (Warren) Dolan, Tammie (Jeff) Helser, Marsha Harris, Thom (Nan) Harris, Colleen (Mark) Stevens, Joyce Harris, Judi ( Bobby) Paul, and Kathleen (Kenny) Mazzrillo The family wishes to acknowledge special appreciation to: Donna Roarke and Tracey Murray who were his exceptional guardian angels; Rensselaer County ARC for many years of loving support, particularly for Kaitlin and staff at the Euclid Avenue group home; Eddy Heritage House 4th floor Rehabilitation Unit; and Samaritan Hospital ICU, particularly Caitlin Paff for her care and compassion in Bob’s final hours. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, Troy where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church Tuesday from 4 until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers family requests donation to The Arc of Rensselaer County, 79 102nd Street Troy, N.Y. 12180