After a valiant battle with cancer Bob, 77, passed from this life on November 27, 2016. He was born on October 19, 1939 to Nettie and Vernon Sands in Malone, NY and maintained a life-long love of the Adirondacks. He was in the Army Reserves from 1962-1968. His SUNY Albany degrees included a BS, MS, and MBA. Bob taught high school business for two years prior to a fulfilling career at Alfred State College from 1964-1995. He had many overseas teaching and administrative assignments including Germany, Somalia, El Salvador and China. The highlight was being a Fulbright Scholar in Tunisia from 2005-2006. From 1995-2008 he was a management professor and assistant dean at RPI in Troy, NY. Bob was always committed and effective in his work and took great pride in each new challenge. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast and participant including basketball, tennis, running, biking, hiking, canoeing and more. He loved traveling and being immersed in different cultures, cooking, gardening and being well-informed. He was a voracious reader with libraries and bookstores being among his favorite places. Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 21 years, Ida; his children Cathy (John), Peter (Karen), and Michael (Tammy); stepchildren Holly (Colin) and Daniel; his adored grandchildren Fiona, Anya, Kyla and Mia; a sister Marilyn; many nieces and nephews and dear friends. He lived in Clifton Park, NY and Boynton Beach, FL.
A visitation will be held from 3pm to 5pm, with a 4:30pm Prayer Service, Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Boynton Memorial Chapel, 800 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10am Saturday, December 10, 2016 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Boynton Beach. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society. Bob lived life to the fullest, was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.