Obituary of Robert K. Van Alstyne

Rensselaer- Robert K. “Bob” Van Alstyne, 88, of Rensselaer, NY, passed peacefully in his home on Thursday, December 7, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, after a long and joyful life. Bob was born on January 16, 1935, to Robert and Alice M. Van Alstyne of Nassau, NY. Bob grew up in Nassau, where he enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, such as hunting and fishing. He attended the Nassau Reformed Church for most of his life. In his younger years, he sang in the choir and served on the consistory as a deacon and as an elder. Bob graduated from Columbia High School in 1952 and later went on to graduate from Hudson Valley Technical Institute (now known as HVCC) in 1956. After graduation he went on to pursue a career as a Communications Technician for AT&T, where he met the love of his life, Lucy. The couple married in 1966, and brought two children into the world; Robert and Amy. Bob was a devoted husband and father, and brought his family on many memorable camping trips and excursions. Bob retired from AT&T in 1990 after 35 years of dedicated service. After his retirement, he enjoyed working part time for Country True Value, in North Greenbush. Bob was a member of the Van Rensselaer Lodge No. 87 and the Scottish Rite. Bob enjoyed NASCAR, traveling, music, and had a keen ability to memorize poetry. Bob was predeceased by his parents and sister Janice Van Alstyne. He is survived by his wife; Lucy Van Alstyne, his son; Robert Van Alstyne, his daughter; Amy (John) Cirincione, Bob considered Amy’s husband John to be a second son, and his beloved grandchildren; Christian, Juliet, Daniel, and Maggie Cirincione. He is also survived by his sister; Judith (Ronald) Selkirk, brother-in-law; Charles (Jane) Sirigiano, sisters-in-law; Genevieve Zwick and Nancy (David) Post, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm St. Nassau, NY 12123. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family prior to the service on Monday from 10:00-12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Nassau-Schodack Cemetery, Route 203 Nassau, NY 12123. The family wishes to thank the Visiting Nurse Association of the Eddy for the care that Bob received at home. Donations can be made in Bob’s name to the Nassau Reformed Church, P.O. Box 495 Nassau, NY 12123.