Pittstown- Robert L. “Bob” Hardesty, 76, a resident of Pittstown since 1978, died peacefully Monday, December 4, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family following a short illness.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 22, 1947, Bob is the son of the late Harvey and Charlotte (Carrick) Hardesty Sr. and, for over 56 years, the best friend and husband of Nancy J. (Busby) Hardesty of Pittstown, who survives.
After Bob graduated from high school in Maryland, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966. Following basic training and because of his mechanical aptitude, he was assigned the rank of Seaman and served as both an Engineman and Fireman Apprentice aboard his ship during the Vietnam War. While he was home on leave from the service, Bob and Nancy married on June 6, 1969, in anticipation of an Honorable Discharge, which he received on June 16, 1969.
The couple made their home in Albany and began their family with Bob working as an auto mechanic for several area car dealerships before relocating to Pittstown in 1978. Bob was employed as a truck driver and also worked for a time as a self-employed auto mechanic before joining his son in the operation of Hardesty and Son Sanitation in Hoosick Falls. He retired in 2018.
Bob enjoyed many hobbies, including antiquing and the thrill of hunting for collectibles, which he sold in his family’s antique shop. He was very proud of the extensive, rare, and valuable marble collection which he curated and cared for. He was an expert at Billiards and won many tournaments he participated in across the country. He was a “Mopar Man” throughout his life and loved working on and restoring 1960’s Plymouth muscle cars. His favorite car was his 1969 Plymouth Road Runner which he loved to drag race in Maryland and New York in the 1960’s and 70’s. Bob’s love of cars and their restoration was a gift he shared and helped to instill in his son and grandsons as they worked together, spending time on a passion that would someday become their own. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed both hunting and fishing. In his quiet time, of which there was very little, he liked to unwind by visiting with his many friends and family.
In addition to his to wife, Nancy, Bob is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, David and Holly Hardesty Sr. of Schaghticoke, and a daughter, Stephanie Hardesty (Gary) of Pittstown, a sister, Trudy Paschal of Maryland, four grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pop”, Scott Carter Antolick, David “Baby Dave” Hardesty Jr., Madison Hardesty, and Margaret Galarneau, several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by four brothers and a sister, the late Harvey Jr., Rose, Leonard, William, and Gene Hardesty.
A memorial service for Bob will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the Howard B. Tate and Son Funeral Home Inc., 2237 NY Route 7, located in Raymertown. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 2:00-4:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial services will be private at the convenience of the family.
As a special thank you for their compassionate care of Bob when he needed their help, the family asks that memorial contributions, rather than flowers, be made to the Pittstown Volunteer Emergency Corps., 60 Parker School Road, Johnsonville, NY 12094 in memory of Robert L. “Bob” Hardesty.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 22, 1947, Bob is the son of the late Harvey and Charlotte (Carrick) Hardesty Sr. and, for over 56 years, the best friend and husband of Nancy J. (Busby) Hardesty of Pittstown, who survives.
After Bob graduated from high school in Maryland, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966. Following basic training and because of his mechanical aptitude, he was assigned the rank of Seaman and served as both an Engineman and Fireman Apprentice aboard his ship during the Vietnam War. While he was home on leave from the service, Bob and Nancy married on June 6, 1969, in anticipation of an Honorable Discharge, which he received on June 16, 1969.
The couple made their home in Albany and began their family with Bob working as an auto mechanic for several area car dealerships before relocating to Pittstown in 1978. Bob was employed as a truck driver and also worked for a time as a self-employed auto mechanic before joining his son in the operation of Hardesty and Son Sanitation in Hoosick Falls. He retired in 2018.
Bob enjoyed many hobbies, including antiquing and the thrill of hunting for collectibles, which he sold in his family’s antique shop. He was very proud of the extensive, rare, and valuable marble collection which he curated and cared for. He was an expert at Billiards and won many tournaments he participated in across the country. He was a “Mopar Man” throughout his life and loved working on and restoring 1960’s Plymouth muscle cars. His favorite car was his 1969 Plymouth Road Runner which he loved to drag race in Maryland and New York in the 1960’s and 70’s. Bob’s love of cars and their restoration was a gift he shared and helped to instill in his son and grandsons as they worked together, spending time on a passion that would someday become their own. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed both hunting and fishing. In his quiet time, of which there was very little, he liked to unwind by visiting with his many friends and family.
In addition to his to wife, Nancy, Bob is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, David and Holly Hardesty Sr. of Schaghticoke, and a daughter, Stephanie Hardesty (Gary) of Pittstown, a sister, Trudy Paschal of Maryland, four grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pop”, Scott Carter Antolick, David “Baby Dave” Hardesty Jr., Madison Hardesty, and Margaret Galarneau, several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by four brothers and a sister, the late Harvey Jr., Rose, Leonard, William, and Gene Hardesty.
A memorial service for Bob will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the Howard B. Tate and Son Funeral Home Inc., 2237 NY Route 7, located in Raymertown. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 2:00-4:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial services will be private at the convenience of the family.
As a special thank you for their compassionate care of Bob when he needed their help, the family asks that memorial contributions, rather than flowers, be made to the Pittstown Volunteer Emergency Corps., 60 Parker School Road, Johnsonville, NY 12094 in memory of Robert L. “Bob” Hardesty.