Obituary of Robert S. Owens

Loudonville- Robert S. Owens, 80 of Loudonville, beloved husband of Joan A. Mahoney Owens, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Saturday, July 3, 2010. Born in Watervliet on December 21, 1929, he was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Grady) Owens and was predeceased by his brother Peter and 2 sisters. He attended grade school at the Sacred Heart of Mary in Watervliet and graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy in 1947. Bob received his Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from Maritime College: State University of New York and a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from R.P.I. Bob served in the US Army in Korea from 1950-1953 and was the recipient of numerous decorations. Upon his return, he married his childhood sweetheart, Joan. Bob began his career with General Electric in 1953 and spent 39 years at their Research & Development Center, holding a number of managerial positions before retiring in 1992. New lubricants for aluminum, stainless steel & titanium resulted from his work in friction, wear & surface characterization. In 1973, he was appointed manager of a newly established uranium enrichment program where he was responsible for organizing and directing a group of scientists & engineers in technical, economic and business studies on various methods for enriching uranium. An active member of the VFW Watervliet Post 729 and various professional societies, Bob was the National Vice President for the American Society of Lubrication Engineers. He was co-author of a book and the author of more than 25 technical papers and holds 29 United States patents. He was also the recipient of the General Electric Ralph J. Cordiner Award. Bob was a trustee of Pioneer Savings Bank for 39 years, a past Chairman of the Board and Trustee Emertie. Bob lived a long, healthy life enjoying golf, family vacations to the Cape and winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Bob woke up everyday with a smile, despite his long, hard battle with kidney disease, diabetes & heart disease. Although he struggled with his health, he was courageous and never complained. It was fitting that he died peacefully during a nap in his favorite chair. The family would like to thank Donna Brickley for the warm love and care she gave him this past year. Bob had many loyal friends who helped with his daily transportation, many hospital visits and weekly deliveries of his favorite black bean soup. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, the former Joan A. Mahoney of Watervliet; six children: Timothy (Kathleen) Owens of Niskayuna, Susan Owens Herchenroder (Keith) of Virginia, Christopher Owens of Troy, Gregory Owens (Kirk Buchholz) of West Coxsackie, the late Erin Patricia (March 3, 1967) and Kerry Owens Brant (David) of Loudonville. Bob is also survived by his 10 much loved grandchildren; Brian (Lee), Lauren & Stephen Owens, Brad & Anna Herchenroder, Scott Owens and Connor, Daniel, Colin & Owen Brant. As well as his brother John (Barbara) Owens of Moreau and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville. Fr. Michael Farano will officiate Relatives and friends are invited and may call Wednesday from 4-7 pm at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Ltd., 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com