Robert J. Chmielewski

Scotia – Robert J. Chmielewski, 85, affectionately known as Bob, Bobby, Chmier, Dad, and Pa, passed away on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Robert was born in Mechanicville, NY to his parents, the late Joseph A. and Virginia (Helstowski) Chmielewski. Bob attended St. Mary’s School, was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School and went on to earn his Associates Degree in Business Administration from Mohawk Valley Community College.

While in school, Bobby was a natural athlete, excelling in Basketball and Baseball. When he wasn’t playing sports Bobby could be found working for his Uncle Leo and family at Deptola’s Grocery on Eastern Avenue.

Bob was a member of the US Air National Guard, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

He began his career as a Firefighter for the City of Schenectady in 1968 and worked until his retirement in 1989. While on the Fire Department, Bob also worked for the Canada Dry and Cott Beverage Companies.

Bob was a devoted Boston Celtics, NY Yankees, and Duke Blue Devils fan. He enjoyed boating and fishing on Sacandaga Lake, tending to his garden, listening and dancing to polka music, and maintaining his home and vehicles.

Bob was a man of faith and community. A member of St. John The Evangelist and St. Gabriel’s Churches, and also a member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge #2157.

Bob could be described in several words: a loving, dedicated family man, “old-school” traditional, caring, brave and proud. He valued spending his time with his wife, children and grandchildren, rarely missing a grandkids game, or day at the lake.

He lived his life optimistically, always hoping for the best. His advice to others was simple… “Take it easy, and go with the flow!”

Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ginger Chmielewski; his children, Jeffrey Chmielewski (Marianne) of Danvers, MA and Lori Palleschi (Giancarlo) of Highland, NY; step-children, Robert Marx (Paula), Matthew Marx and Marianne Marx (Michael O’Clair); grandchildren, Alexander Palleschi, Gabrielle Treiber (Alexander), and Robert Palleschi. Stepgrandchildren, David Marx (Tia), Deborah Otto (Tim), Matthew Marx, Josh Marx, Zack Marx, Annabel Marx, Ryan Marx and Michaela O’Clair as well as 11 step-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his granddaughter, Gina Marie Palleschi.

A visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:30-11:30am at St. Gabriel’s Church, 3040 Hamburg St. in Rotterdam. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30am. Entombment will follow at St. Cyril & Method Cemetery on Duanesburg Rd.

Robert’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the RNs and staff on the 3rd floor Stockade Unit at Ellis Residential and Rehab Center, and to the RNs and staff of A4 and C6 Units at Ellis Hospital for their kindness and care for Bob during his time there, along with the Schenectady Fire Fighters Association.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.