Robert Bruce Van Buren

March 3, 1931 - April 5, 2021

Robert Bruce Van Buren Rotterdam, NY Robert Bruce Van Buren passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 at home in Rotterdam, New York, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born March 3, 1931 in Oneonta, New York and was the second of five children born to Helen and Bruce Van Buren. Bob lived in Oneonta throughout his childhood and graduated from Oneonta High School class of 1949. After completing his degree at Hartwick College, he served in the Coast Guard for four years. He then married June Anne Baumann on December 31, 1955. Bob was a lifelong educator, starting out as a teacher, and after earning his master's degree, he was devoted to his career as an elementary school principal. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brother Thomas, his sister Mary, and his sister Marcia. Bob is survived by his wife, June Van Buren and their six children: Meg Van Buren (Albert Zayha) of Portland, Oregon; Michael Van Buren (Maggie) of North Attleboro, Massachusetts; Matthew Van Buren (Laura) of Rye, New York; Mary Anne Hoffman (John) of Walpole, Massachusetts; Marcia Ravasio (Jim) of Ellicott City, Maryland; and Mark Van Buren of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Bob was devoted to his ten grandchildren: Matthew, Alexandra, Emily, Kylie, Katie, Erin, Alana, Jack, Max, and Ella. After Bob’s retirement from the Schenectady City School District, he spent countless hours volunteering with Community Hospice of Schenectady. He also played trombone in the American Legion Marching Band, well past his 80th birthday. Bob was a man with a great sense of humor and a deep appreciation for those in need of help. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and son. He will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing him. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Thursday, April 8, 2021 at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany St., Schenectady, New York. For expressions of love and respect, donations to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation would be greatly appreciated.