Robert L. Gileski

PORT EWEN – Robert L. Gileski, 82, of Port Ewen, NY, passed peacefully at home on January 29, 2022, with his “forever love,” Carol, by his side. Born March 15, 1939, he was the only son of the late Sophie and Lucian Gileski. Bob graduated from Johnstown (NY) High School and, in 1963, earned a bachelors degree from SUNY New Paltz. He taught art in the Wappingers CSD and retired in 1994.

Bob and Carol met in 1959 and were married for more than 58 years. Their marriage was a joyful, loving one and set an example for the three sons that they raised in Poughkeepsie (Ian, Eric and Adam) and their spouses (DawnAnn, Elizabeth and Davide). Bob also leaves behind his three beloved grandchildren (Kayleigh, Christian and Araina), Kayleigh’s husband (David Baxter), Carol’s surviving siblings (Helen, Robert, Francis and Therese) and their spouses, two half-siblings, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Bob’s love of the wonderment of kids, and his benign mischief, made him everyone’s favorite uncle and grandpa. He was a one-in-a-million husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and loved his family and close friends above everything else. A Renaissance man, Bob was always ready with an ingenious solution to whatever problem you might have. His lifelong love of nature (especially birds of prey) was expressed through his woodburnings, and through kayaking and hiking with Carol across this gorgeous Hudson Valley.

Bob donated his body to the Albany Medical Center, which has kindly engaged the Hans Funeral Home in Albany to receive condolences. A celebration of Bob’s life has been scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on the afternoon of Saturday, May 21st, under the pavilion located in the George H. Freer Memorial Park, Town of Esopus.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend.  Bob and Carol thank Hudson Valley Hospice and the Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad (TEVAS, PO Box 910, Port Ewen, NY 12466). Contributions to them, a pulmonary-fibrosis charity or St. Jude would be greatly appreciated.

The world has lost a great mind, a great heart and a beautiful person. Bob would ask that you remember, and try to live by, the Golden Rule, because that’s the way he lived every day of his long, but too short, life.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .