Obituary of Robert T. "Bobby" VanDusen

SCHUYLER –Mr. Robert T. "Bobby" VanDusen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, July 11, 2017, in the privacy and comfort of his home, after a battle with appendix cancer. At the time of his passing he had the love and support of his wife and children at his side. 

Born on December 16, 1958, Robert is the son of Robert E. VanDusen and the late Rosaline A. (Abdo) VanDusen. He was raised and educated in Frankfort, graduating with the Class of 1977. He then went on to attend the Herkimer County BOCES Cosmetology Program and ensued a 39-year career as a professional hair stylist.

For many years he worked alongside his mother, Roz, at the former Roz’s Beauty Shop in downtown Frankfort.  He then opened the Hair Shoppe, a unisex salon which he ran successfully until recently, when his illness no longer allowed him to work.  Bobby was well-known for his talents as a hairdresser, and was beloved by his many clients throughout the years; not only was he a professional, but a true friend to all.

On June 16, 1979, Bob was wed to former lifelong Schuyler resident, Diane Sroka, and the two began a journey through marriage that lasted for over 38 years. Together, they built their home on Windfall Road and raised a family which grew to encompass their children and grandchildren.

Bob was a self-taught carpenter and skilled craftsman, who not only built his own home, but his son’s home, as well.  Throughout the years, he dedicated himself to remaining active in his children’s lives; coaching their sports and attending their events every chance he could get. In turn, as his illness worsened, his children stayed by his side and tended to his every need; giving back the love that they had received from him from the time they were born.

Not only was Bobby devoted to his family and his clientele, but to his community as well. His political career began when he was appointed to the Town of Schuyler’s Zoning Board of Appeals, which he served on for seven years. He then ran for an open seat on the Schuyler Town Board, and has served four consecutive terms as a Town Councilman. There wasn’t a community event that he did not make himself available for, and he was an integral part in the planning and development of the Town’s annual Extravaganza & Classic Car Show.

A man of family, faith and community, Bob truly had a positive and lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Diane; his father, Bob, of Frankfort; his daughters and son-in-law, Kaylin and Chris FitzSimons of New York City and Shelly VanDusen of California; his son, Ryan VanDusen and Sarah Bolen of Schuyler; and his grandchildren, Indianna and Roman. He is also survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Valerie and John Ackley of Saratoga and Rebecca Frederick of Schuyler; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Penny VanDusen of Frankfort; his in-laws, Karen and Dave Williams and Donald Sroka; his best friend, Frank DellaPosta; his Godson, Carl “CJ” DellaPosta; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Roz, and his in-laws, Norm Frederick and Dawn Sroka.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Bobby’s visitation, which will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2017, from 1:00PM – 5:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. His funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 5:00PM, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort, where Bob will be laid to rest in the VanDusen family plot.

Bobby’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers of Hospice and Palliative Care for the kindness and compassion shown to them in his final days.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to Martin L. Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.