1953
Robert
2025
Robert 'Bob' P. Vannatten
March 17, 1953 — October 12, 2025
ROTTERDAM – Robert ‘Bob’ Van Natten, 72, of Van Cortland Street, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born in Schenectady on St. Patrick’s Day, 1953, the beloved son of the late Chancellor D. and Winnifred Walrath Van Natten Sr. He grew up on Linden Street, where his roots took hold, and he later attended Linton High School.
A self-taught electrician, Bob dedicated himself to mastering his trade through hard work. He spent many years working at Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he was entrusted with the critical task of maintaining the hospital’s fire alarm system.
Bob’s commitment to service extended well beyond his professional life. As an active and devoted parent, he became deeply involved with the Boy Scouts of America. His dedication saw him rise through the ranks to serve as Cub Master of Pack 16 to Unit Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America Twin Rivers Council a role in which he mentored not just his own children, but many others.
Above all, Bob was a selfless man, a steady, giving presence in the lives of all who knew him. He consistently put the needs of others before his own, offering his time, skills, and heart without expectation of recognition. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for the way he lived with kindness, quiet strength, and a deep, enduring love for his family and community.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Suzie Cannavo Van Natten, who died in 1997; his parents; siblings, Chan Van Natten, Jr., and Liz Khasiev.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen Foo Van Natten, who were married on October 10, 1999; loving children, Phillip Van Natten and his wife Elizabeth, Justina Nicklas and her husband Joshua, and Ja Shing Ortiz and his fiancée, Elona Mitchell; a step-son, Adam Cannavo: his sister, Leona Leigh Janis; grandchildren, Ayanna Nicklas, Steven Nicklas, Jackson and
Griffin Van Natten; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held on Saturday, at 6:30 pm at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, with Fr. Dominic Isopo, officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Saturday from 4:30 until the Service. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Harboring Hearts at
https://www.harboringhearts.org
Bob was born in Schenectady on St. Patrick’s Day, 1953, the beloved son of the late Chancellor D. and Winnifred Walrath Van Natten Sr. He grew up on Linden Street, where his roots took hold, and he later attended Linton High School.
A self-taught electrician, Bob dedicated himself to mastering his trade through hard work. He spent many years working at Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he was entrusted with the critical task of maintaining the hospital’s fire alarm system.
Bob’s commitment to service extended well beyond his professional life. As an active and devoted parent, he became deeply involved with the Boy Scouts of America. His dedication saw him rise through the ranks to serve as Cub Master of Pack 16 to Unit Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America Twin Rivers Council a role in which he mentored not just his own children, but many others.
Above all, Bob was a selfless man, a steady, giving presence in the lives of all who knew him. He consistently put the needs of others before his own, offering his time, skills, and heart without expectation of recognition. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for the way he lived with kindness, quiet strength, and a deep, enduring love for his family and community.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Suzie Cannavo Van Natten, who died in 1997; his parents; siblings, Chan Van Natten, Jr., and Liz Khasiev.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen Foo Van Natten, who were married on October 10, 1999; loving children, Phillip Van Natten and his wife Elizabeth, Justina Nicklas and her husband Joshua, and Ja Shing Ortiz and his fiancée, Elona Mitchell; a step-son, Adam Cannavo: his sister, Leona Leigh Janis; grandchildren, Ayanna Nicklas, Steven Nicklas, Jackson and
Griffin Van Natten; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held on Saturday, at 6:30 pm at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, with Fr. Dominic Isopo, officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Saturday from 4:30 until the Service. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Harboring Hearts at
https://www.harboringhearts.org
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert 'Bob' P. Vannatten, please visit our flower store.
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