ROBERT (BOB) E. SPEERS, SR.

Saratoga Springs, NY Robert (Bob) E. Speers, Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. The only son of Robert and Elizabeth Speers, Bob was born on January 10, 1935 in Saratoga Springs. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy, and a proud veteran of the Navy. During his seven-year enlistment, he met Diane and they had a whirlwind romance. They were married at St. Francis De Sales Church in Chicago, on December 12, 1959. Bob and Diane were blessed with four children, and the family moved to Saratoga Springs in 1971, to the home where Bob grew up. Bob retired from the City of Saratoga Springs as a Water Plant Operator in 2000. Bob and Diane spent their retirement years enjoying time with their family and grandchildren, travelling, and wintering in Florida where they both loved being at the beach. Bob was known for his love of his family, and how proud he was of his four children. He was his son David’s baseball coach for three years, attended Bobby’s baseball games, as well as David’s basketball games. He had a special bond with his daughters, who thought he was their hero. He was also a wonderful grandfather to his six grandchildren and enjoyed being an integral part of their lives and celebrating in all their accomplishments, and their biggest fan. He was the self-elected President of the Regent Street Neighborhood Squirrel Relocation Program, and safely relocated over 700 squirrels to various parks in Saratoga Springs. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan for over 70 years; becoming a fan when he was just 11 years old. He enjoyed watching their games at spring training in Florida, Busch Stadium in St. Louis, as well as on TV, and he was a proud collector of their memorabilia. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Diane; his grateful children who were so thankful for the time they had with him: Crystal (Michael) Schaffer, Charlene Ivers, Bob, Jr, and David; his grandchildren who adored him: Deannah Schaffer, Shaina Schaffer, Ryan Ivers, Nick Conrad, Robert Speers, III, and William Speers. He was predeceased by his grandson Colin J. Ivers. The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Saratoga and Bob’s nurses for their loving care and support during his final days. Calling hours will be from 1 to 4 PM Sunday, February 17 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, February 18 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. The family is requesting NO flowers, as Diane has COPD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jimmy V Foundation at jimmyv.org., or the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center at Saratoga Hospital. Please join us for a celebration of Bob’s life on Sunday, February 17 at the Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs from 4 – 7 PM. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.