GREENFIELD CENTER — Robert E. Barss of South Greenfield Road, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015, in the same home that he was born in, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years old.
Born on Dec. 20, 1922 in Greenfield Center, he was the son of the late Charles and Carrie Barss and was a graduate of Saratoga High School. He married Ruth J. Nowhitney on June 23, 1951 and raised their family in Greenfield Center. Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who was loved by all who knew him.
Having served as a Radio Operator in the United States Army during World War II in Central Europe, Normandy, France, and Germany, Robert received service decorations that included the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal.
Robert was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, sharing his skills and love of nature with his children and grandchildren. He was a hard worker, often working extra jobs to support his growing family. His number one priority was providing for his family and helping others. He had strong carpentry skills sharing them with anyone in need and most importantly helped all of his children build their family homes. Robert worked many different jobs, finally retiring from the Cottrell Paper Company. He was the caretaker of the North Milton Cemetery helping many families through very difficult times. Robert will be remembered as a loving, generous, kind and good man. He never spoke ill of anyone and always found the good in everyone.
Survivors include his seven children, Wanda (Mike) Richards, Ralph (Angela), Kate (Tim) Clark, Walter (Lisa), James (Louisa), John (Megan) and David (Kathy). He was the proud grandfather to Chad Richards (Casey), Jillian Richards, Robert, Christopher, Michael (Stacey), Meghan (Kevin) Carcaterra, Corey (Kim), Carrie (Will) Minner, Jeremy, Shane, Kyle, and Kayla and great-grandfather to precious Ava, Ryan and Brandon Richards, Nathan Barss, Connor, Amelia and Isobel Barss and Lucy Minner. He is also survived by his sister, Naida Walko and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth, precious grandson, Matthew Richards and siblings, Alice Stanton, Jennie Blodgett, Irving Barss, Muriel VanAuken, Frederick Barss, and Martha Colinas.
Graveside services were held at the North Milton Cemetery on Sunday, September 27, 2015; a reception celebrating Robert’s life was held after the services at the South Greenfield Road Fire House.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Sr., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or The North Milton Cemetery Association, c/o Anthony Zanella, 742 Stone Church Rd., Middle Grove, NY 12850.
The Barss family would like to thank Robert’s caregivers, Amy, Mary, Terrie, and Wendy.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.
