Obituary of Robert L. Ziegler

Niskayuna - Robert Lewis Ziegler, 87, passed away on February 12, 2017 at Ellis Hospital. His loving family was by his side daily during his hospitalization. A long time resident of Niskayuna, Bob was born in Schenectady, New York at Ellis Hospital on September 3, 1929 to the late William Lewis Ziegler and Clara Weston Ziegler. Raised in Scotia, New York he was a graduate of Scotia High School and completed an apprenticeship at the General Electric Company. Bob was a Tool Maker with GE for approximately 40 years before retiring at age 59. He proposed to his wife Theresa Isabella Ziegler before leaving for active duty in the United States Army in Okinawa from 1955-57. Theresa and Bob were married September 7, 1957 and enjoyed a wonderful 59 years of marriage. They had 4 children, William, Rachel, John, and Elaine and lovingly welcomed into their family a daughter in law Christine and son in law Randy. Bob was also an extremely proud grandfather to Quinn and Parker Ziegler. Bob was a loving husband and father. His passion was looking at homes for sale and using his many skills to work on improvements to his house and those of his children. He relocated to Houston, Texas on two separate occasions but always came back to his hometown. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting his family and attending the many events his two grandsons were involved in such as hockey games, baseball games, and band concerts. He was a true animal lover who adopted numerous dogs, including his long time companion Ollie of 18 years and leaves behind his two Siamese cats. He was a member of the St. Helen's church choir for several years. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Elaine Kathryn Ziegler, son William Robert Ziegler, brother Leroy Ziegler of California, and sister Virginia Hoffmeyer of Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Isabella Ziegler, daughter Rachel Ziegler Hines and son in law Randy of Houston, Texas and Niskayuna; son John Ziegler and daughter in law Christine of Florence, Massachusetts and his grandchildren Quinn Ziegler of Washington, D.C. and Parker Ziegler of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Elena Isabella of Scotia, New York, and several nieces and nephews, including Louis and Joani Isabella of Scotia; Susan Isabella Gabriels and Richard Gabriels of Clifton Park; Ellen and David Hovey of California; Ann and Jim Merlino of Michigan and Steve and Jenni Hoffmeyer of Illinois and several grand nieces, nephews and friends, including longtime dear family friend Mary Kelly of Ballston Lake, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, February 17 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. A Mass in celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, February 18 at 10:00 AM at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish,(formerly St. Helen's), 1803 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. This will be followed by a private Catholic burial at Saint John's Cemetery in Schenectady, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in his name to the charity of your choice.