Robert L Payne

Duanesburg - Robert L. Payne, 77, passed away Tuesday May 14, 2013 at home. Bob was born in Schoharie, NY on December 5, 1935 to John Howard Payne and Minnie Lawyer Payne. He was a graduate of Schoharie Central School Class of 1954.Bob was an outstanding athlete throughout his schooling and he carried his love of sports becoming an avid fan of the New England Patriots. After graduation Bob was employed by The Parrott House and Valley Grille in Schoharie where he learned basic restaurant skills.From there he made his mark at The Van Dyke Restaurant in Schenectady working with the late Marvin Friedman and then opening the Some Place Else Restaurant in Schuylerville and the Jamaica Inn in Latham.In January 1969, Bob and his wife Pat purchased the Duane Manor in Duanesburg where they raised their 4 children and built their business known as The Bear's Steakhouse. Bob was also instrumental in founding the Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corp with several other local restaurants in the town.The Bear's Steakhouse has been recognized and received many culinary awards throughout their 44 years in business. Bob met his wife and business partner Patricia Cuilik in December 1957 in Schoharie and they would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on May 17th. Bob was a faithful communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady.He was predeceased by his parents, his daughter Diane Marie Payne and his sisters Marion Braun and Lillian Scripa. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Cuilik) Payne, his sons John of Schenectady, Robert II (Maria) of Duanesburg, his daughter Maureen (Mark Vitallo) of Slingerlands and his cherished grandchildren who was their Grampy:Kyle Daley, Robert Payne III, and Baleigh Payne. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many special friends. The Payne Family would also like to extend a very specialthanks to The Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corp, The Duanesburg Volunteer Fire Department, Dr. William Vacca and Suzanne O'Loughlin. Calling hours, to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin 9 a.m. Monday at the funeral home followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church 806 union St., Schenectady. Burial will follow at St. Cyril's Cemetery, Rotterdam. Contributions may be made in his memory to: The Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corp P.O. Box 130 Delanson, NY 12053, The Duanesburg Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 115 Duanesburg, NY 12056, The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation 950 New Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110 or The Animal Protective Foundation 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302. Online condolences at www.demarcostonefuneralhome.com