Robert R. Creatura

Robert "Bob(by) Creach” Creatura, a legend who could move seamlessly among scholarly, military and skilled labor worlds, passed away on February 13, 2024. Born on August 8, 1934 (“at the height of the Depression but before the invention of the TV or ball point pen”), Bob was fiercely independent and lived life on his own terms, even with declining health at the end.

Bob is predeceased by his father John Creatura, his mother Theresa Creatura, and his sister-in-law Louise Creatura.  He is survived by daughter Connie Smith, granddaughter Allegra Czerwinski, and his brother John Creatura of Rochester, NY.  He will also be greatly missed by numerous others - nieces, nephews, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, as well as many dear friends.

His capacity for friendship was such that he maintained lifelong friendships with pals from Jefferson School, Draper and the Army.

Before college, Bob worked at GE in various roles: first as a “lamptrimmer,” always ensuring that every bulb was shining brightly, then in mail delivery, and later as an electrician apprentice.

In 1955, Bob was drafted into the US Army as a generator and radar technician defending the coast, and was stationed in Nags Head, VA with a stint in Los Alamos, New Mexico, showcasing his skill and dedication to national defense and innovation as a Korean was veteran.

His formal education journey began upon his discharge. With the GI Bill and a plethora of grants in the education field “inspired by Sputnik,” Bob earned a variety of degrees and certificates, starting with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and Spanish from Siena College.

This was followed by teacher training at Oneonta and Ithaca, and language immersion programs in Mexico, New Paltz, and Valencia, Spain. Additional educational opportunities were pursued, including a Masters of Science in education curriculum from the State University of New York at Albany, educational administration studies at Plattsburgh State and a guidance counselor program at Boston University.   He liked calling himself a student emeritus.

Bob was employed in public schools in the 1960s.  The remainder of his career in education, from 1969 to 1990, was in vocational education administration at the regional BOCES.

Bob was an active outdoorsman and he loved the camaraderie with friends on road trips and outings. A cherished member of the Schenectady Ski Club, he also enjoyed camping, golfing, canoeing, boating, and ice fishing. Serving as a Coast Guard volunteer as copilot in his brother's 2-passenger plane was a dream come true, as Bob was fascinated with aviation.  He was a beloved member of his community, known for his Elks/Vale Cemetery volunteer work, tirelessly maintaining veterans’ gravesites. “The worst casualty in war is being forgotten,” he often said.

In honor of Bob's memory, his family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his life at a gathering on Thursday, February 22nd from 12-1 pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. A 1 pm prayer service will immediately follow.

Burial, with military honors, will follow at St. Cyril’s Cemetery.

Bob brought ease and humor to all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.  The world was a better place because of Bob.  We will have to do our best to soldier on until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Rotterdam Elks.

May his memory continue to inspire us to embrace our own individuality and live life to the fullest.