Robert "Bob" Turpin

Rotterdam- Robert R. "Bob" Turpin, 64, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2013. Bob was an artist and poet. Bob was very creative. Bob lived to paint, sculpt, play his drums, flutes and any other instrument he could find. Bob painted with his heart and would bare his soul on canvas. Bob was a man of honor and very modest and would do no one wrong. Bob was the life of the party; you knew before you saw him that Bob was there. Bob felt "at one" with nature, especially trees. Bob was a free spirit. Bob attended Cohoes High School and later studied "The Arts"in N.Y.C. Bob worked for Levi Strauss in N.Y.Cin the 1970's. Bob also worked with handmade screens as a fabric printer and colorist. Later, Bob was employed for nearly twenty years with Carpetmaster and finished out his work career with the National Loop Company in Green Island. Bob was the beloved husband and life partner of 32 years to Vincenza "Vennie"Fracassi Turpin; beloved brother of Barbara Shipman of Bolton Landing; beloved uncle of Kathy (Ed) Koblensky of Buskirk, N.Y., Patricia (Tony) Salvarezza of Glens Falls, Linda Deganof Clifton Park, Michael Sheldrick and Kim Paige, both of Rotterdam; great uncle of Laura(Jason Hutchinson) Szandyba of Ravena, Jenna (Bryan) Hennessey of Cohoes, Richard Salvarezza of Glens Falls; cousin of Mariagnes Gallerie of Florida, cousin and childhood friend of Paul "Buzzy" Gallerie of Troy;brother-in-law of Grace (Art Wagner) Salerno of Latham, Fiorella (Steve) Sheldrick of Rotterdam. Bob is also survived by dear family friends, Brian Campoli of Ravena, Mike Baldwin of Cohoes and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins locally, in Toronto, Canada and in Italy. Bob is predeceased by his beloved: parents, Raymond Turpinand Adele Gariepy; his step father, Oscar Gariepy; a nephew, Mario "Mariuccio" Salerno, his in-laws, Mario and Ilva Fracassi and brother in law Richard Shipman There will be no calling hours, however, friends and family are invited to a celebration of Bob's life this Saturday October 12 at 2pm at 1506 Roselawn Avenue, Rotterdam.Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.