Robert Edward Damon

March 21, 1947 - January 26, 2015

Rome, NY ~ Robert Edward Damon, 67, entered eternal peace on Monday, January 26, 2015 at Faxton, St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved father, grandfather and brother. Robert was predeceased by his wife Melanie Babcock Damon, 57, who passed away just one week prior to Robert’s death, on January 19, 2015. He is also predeceased by his parents Margaret and Edward Damon of Albany, and his sister Connie Damon Kleinschmidt of St. Paul, Minnesota. Born in Albany, Bob attended St. Joseph’s Academy and then Cardinal McCloskey Memorial H.S., where he graduated in 1964. He joined the Air Force in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1970. During his service he was trained as an air traffic controller. Upon discharge from the Air Force he became an air traffic controller for the FAA at Albany International Airport where he was employed until 1981. He then worked in a number of positions including management at ESPEY in Saratoga, NY before finding his way back to air traffic control at Griffiss AFB in 2001. He worked there right up until the time of his recent illness. He loved his work and was proud of his profession. Bob's interests were wide and varied. He was a great athlete and an avid fan of the NY Yankees and the New York Football Giants. He could often be seen working his sons out with ground balls and fastballs in the yard. Robert was an avid collector of antiques and the art displayed around the house would make any collector envious. He loved to laugh, loved a pint, and deeply loved his family. He will be missed by those who loved him deeply, and is survived by his sister Dolores Casey (Ballston Lake), he two sons Brian (Schenectady) and Christopher (Schenectady), and his daughter Maureen Pierre (Schenectady). He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Aidan and Luke Damon, Anthony Marcano, and Kaillyn Pierre. Calling hours are on Tuesday, February 3rd, from 4pm - 7pm at Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 4th at 10am at St. Pius Church in Loudonville, NY. Robert and his wife Melanie will be laid to rest at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery following the Mass. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Jimmy V. Foundation. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Faxton St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital staff for their sincere care and concern for Bob.