Obituary of Robert A. Stein

Robert Allan Stein, 79, of Horseheads and Chestertown, NY passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024 in Elmira, NY with his wife and girls by his side. Robert (Bob) was born on July 21, 1944 in Rockland County, NY to Harry and Lucy (Dilts) Stein. He grew up in the Ladentown neighborhood of Pomona, NY and attended Spring Valley High School. Bob then served four years in the U.S. Air Force, highlighted by his service in Libya, North Africa. After discharge from active duty, he met his beloved wife, Judy (Paul), where they both worked at Boeing Aircraft in Auburn, WA. Bob fixed Judy's old powder blue Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, and it was Love. They married six weeks later in 1968. Bob and Judy had two daughters, Kristen (in Seattle) and Amy (in Connecticut). Judy and Bob then settled in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, where they lived for over 50 years. Bob was an accomplished mechanic, working many years at Sherwood Medical, Astro Valcor, and Saratoga Water Company. He loved the peace of the Adirondacks, having spent childhood vacations on Kelm Lake. Bob lovingly shared the magic of the Adirondack Mountains with his wife and daughters, creating their beautiful home on Forest Lake Road-building their stone fireplace by hand. He raised chickens, had abundant summer vegetable gardens, loved old cars and the Stein menagerie of animals. Bob also loved his little waterski boat which he enjoyed taking on Schroon Lake in the summers. He learned to snow ski at the age of 40 so that he could enjoy winters with his daughters. All year long, he could be found in his beloved workshop puttering around and doing projects. His precious weekend routine included Saturday Night Oldies, getting the Sunday paper at LD's Pharmacy, catching up on local lore at Oscar's Smokehouse, and coffee behind the counter of the Spruce Mountain Bakery. Bob's engineering mind could fix literally anything! He was a special man, known for his humble, kind heart and compassionate spirit. Bob loved his Swedish heritage and proudly flew the Swedish flag after a memorable trip to Sweden in Midsummer of 2004. His quiet fortitude and strength were evident in his smile, incredible work ethic and ability to rise above life's challenges. Bob was predeceased by his parents Lucy Dilts Stein and Harry Stein, and his sister, Susan Quinn. Bob is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters Kristen and Amy; older brother Harry Stein and wife Nan; brother-in-law James Quinn; grandchildren James, Caroline, and Casey; nieces Molly Quinn and husband Asit Pandey, Laura and husband Matt Salvo; and great-nephew, James. His sweet Cat Scotty and Granddog Fudge already miss his sweet presence. Judy, Kristen, and Amy would like to extend sincere thanks to the amazing doctors, ICU nurses-Michelle and Christy, and staff at the Intensive Care Unit at Arnot Ogden Medical Center for providing exceptional care. We are forever grateful for their kindness, and they are now family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association and the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Bob's name. A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held in July bringing Bob back home to his beloved Adirondacks. Rest in peace to this dear man that we are blessed to call our husband, father and friend - we will love you forever.