Obituary of Robert Hennessy

Robert "Bob" Vincent Hennessy, 88, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2009, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 8, 1920 in Lake Placid, New York, to the late Patrick James Hennessy Sr. and Winifred (Driscoll) Hennessy. He graduated from St. Ann's Catholic School in West Palm Beach, Florida. As a young man he served as an altar boy at St. Ann's Catholic Church (WPB) and St. Edward's Catholic Church, Palm Beach, Florida. He worked as a bellhop and ski instructor at The Lake Placid Club in Lake Placid, NY. In 1983 he retired after 36 years of service at The General Electric Company in Schenectady, NY where he worked assembling steam and gas turbines. Robert served from 1943-1946, as a paratrooper, in the 502nd Parachute Infantry, a regiment of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. He served in Germany, Austria, and France as part of the European Campaign. He was dedicated lifelong to his band of brothers, both fallen and surviving. On September 13, 1947 Robert married the love of his life, Eleanor "Bobbie" C. Miller. Together they raised their five children and enjoyed spending their days with one another. Robert was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Patrick J. Hennessy Jr. (USMC); sister-in-law, Audrey Hennessy; daughter-in-law Joyce McCoy Hennessy and niece, Colleen (Miller) Gerber. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor; his children, Patrick R. Hennessy (U.S.N.), Timothy D. Hennessy (Mary Carignan), Joanne M. Buyce (Ken), Theresa E. Hennessy, and Theodore J. Hennessy (Cindy); his grandchildren, Shannon Hennessy, Adam Hennessy (Kendra), Amanda Hennessy, Jennifer Buyce, Melissa Buyce, Jay Ryan Ditoro, Joshua Hennessy, Alexandra Hennessy, and Alicia Hennessy; his great-grandchildren, Ian Comer, Alexis Hennessy, and Ava Hennessy; his brother, John A. Hennessy (USMC); brother-in-law, Bernard J. Miller (Adora); and his many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed golfing, reading, fishing, and shooting movies. He took many walks, enjoyed working outdoors, and visiting with neighbors. He shared his many stories and was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. He loved and enjoyed his family and friends, taking trips to the Adirondacks to visit his hometown of Lake Placid, and spending summer weekends at "camp." Funeral service Friday at 9:15 a.m. from the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St. and 10 a.m. at St. Madeleine Sophie Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be held Thursday evening 5 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visit our website www.dalyfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank all of Bob's caregivers and visiting nurses for their years of friendship and dedicated work, The Eddy Daycare, and The PACE Program. "Go mbeannai Dia duit" - May God Bless You In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Robert to The Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302 or to The 1 in 8 Foundation,