Robert L. Newell Jr.

ROTTERDAM – Robert L. Newell, Jr., 72, gracefully transitioned to his Eternal Rest on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, surrounded by the music of Bob Dylan and his loving daughters.
Born in Schenectady on January 30, 1951, Bob was the son of Antoinette ‘Dolly’ Gazzillo Newell and the late Robert L. Newell, Sr. He graduated in 1969 from Schalmont High School and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast from his early teens, he loved Flat track racing and was a life member of Electric City Riders and the American Motorcycle Association.
When not riding, he could be found mending someone's steam, hot water, or air conditioning system. A consummate tradesman, there was scarcely anything he couldn't repair, and indeed, he fixed it all. He honed his skills early on, alongside his father at the family business, Bellevue Heating, and Cooling, further developing his unmatched skill and dedication at both GE in Schenectady and at Alltek, where he worked as a commercial HVAC installer for more than two decades. While he embraced fatherhood with all his heart, the title he cherished most dearly was Papa.
Bob was predeceased by his father and his sister, MaryAnn Newell.
He is survived by his beloved mother, Antoinette ‘Dolly’ Gazzillo Newell; his children - Robert L. (Amanda) Newell III, Michael (Tammi) Pierce, Amy Hild, Jason (Sarah) DePasquale, Mary (Tobias) Newell-Stay and Thomas Newell; 17 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family, friends, and all those touched by Bob's warm spirit are cordially invited to gather and celebrate his life at Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Friday, August 11th, from 11 am to 1 pm. A memorial service will immediately follow, officiated by Fr. Dominic Isopo. Following the service, Bob will be laid to rest with military honors at Sts. Cyril & Method Cemetery in Rotterdam.
In recognition of Bob's compassionate nature, kindly consider making memorial contributions in his honor to either the Community Hospice or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.