Obituary of Robert Middleton

Lake George Robert (Bob) W. Middleton, 93, passed away peacefully at his summer residence on Lake George. He was born in Schenectady, NY on March 14, 1921, the son of William and Mary Ellen (Mae) Middleton. Bob, a World War II veteran, enlisted in the US military in February 1942 as a member of the 58th United States Naval Construction Battalion (SeaBee's). The 58th division was deployed to the South Pacific in April of 1943, where Bob was an electrician's mate 2nd Class and his unit received a Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding heroism in Vella Lavella while constructing a fighter air base. Independently, Bob received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific, Victory Medal and the American Theatre Medal during his three-year tour. After being honorably discharged, Bob resumed employment with Bell Telephone Company and continued employment for 42 years as a Line Insulation Technician (LIT) in the Schenectady area. Bob was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a member of Marine Salvage and Rescue Diver Unit for Schenectady County and a member of the American Legion. Bob was an outdoor sports enthusiast, a founding member of Hickory Hill Ski area, an avid water and alpine skier, boater, white water canoeist, hockey player and scuba diver. He devoted over 50 years to building and maintaining a neighborhood skating and hockey rink for area youth in which he received commendation from the Town of Rotterdam and the American Legion. Bob is survived by his wife, Geraldine, of Lake George; son, Guy Middleton; and grandson, Jake Middleton of Saranac Lake; two sisters, Corrine Craig of Austin, TX and Larraine Noyes and husband, Cliff of Fredericksburg VA; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Westcott of Glens Falls, Donald Hudson of Florida, George Hudson of Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours, Thursday evening, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Funeral services, Friday, will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to Lake George Association, Inc., PO Box 408, Lake George, NY 12845.