Robert "Bob" A Gamache

Rotterdam – Robert A. Gamache, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Bob was born in St. Albans, Vermont to his parents, the late Arthur and Nelda (Sholan) Gamache. During high school, Bob was a standout basketball player and in the 1970’s he earned his black belt in Judo. Bob worked for many years as a Boilermaker for Local 197. Throughout his life, Bob was an avid sportsman who was known to travel the US and Canada in search of the biggest game. He was a lifetime member of the Iroquois Rod & Gun Club and Mohawk Valley Coon & Cat Club. Bob was also an avid archer, traveling the country for competitions with his wife, Judy. He also loved auto racing and helping his grandsons with their go-kart racing. A lifelong lover of coon hounds and beagles with many beloved dogs over the years, Bob was a member of the Pine Hill Beagle Club. In retirement, Bob spent a lot of time in his garage welding and fabricating for friends and family and took up restoring old tractors. Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted companion of 28 years, his wife, Judith L. (Warner) Gamache; his loving children, Johneen Ambesi (Tony) and Bob Gamache (Tina); cherished grandchildren, Nicole Ambesi (Kraig), Lauren Ambesi, Rachel Terry (Andrew), Matthew Gamache and Zachary Gamache; great grandchild, Austin Roullier; sister, Dottie Rossetti (Dan); step-children, Vicki Speers (Jay) and Kristen Burt (Casey) and his step-grandchildren, Andrew Speers (Julia) and Casey & Sander Burt. He also leaves behind his beloved beagle, Shoe Shoe and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his first wife of 30 years, Sandra L. Gamache and his brother, Phil Gamache. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 5-7pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. A funeral service will begin on Wednesday at 10am at the funeral home and will be followed by burial at Memory Gardens in Colonie. Bob’s family would like to give a special thanks to his loving caretakers, Jessica, Joey, Dave and Holly. Donations in Bob’s name may be made to Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley.