Loudonville - Robert W. Dawson, 96 of Loudonville, beloved husband of Arlene (Herman), passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home and with his family at his side on May 28th, 2026.

Born and raised in Albany, NY, he was the son of the late George and Hannah (Gillespie) Dawson and devoted husband of over 69 years to Arlene (Herman) Dawson. Bob graduated from Albany High school, class of 1948. He attended Clark University in Worchester Mass. and graduated with a BBA in 1957. While attending Clark University, he was a member of the Varsity Crew, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, president of the Veterans Club, and Vice President of his senior class.

Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in 1948 and served as a radarman during the Korean War. He was wounded in June of 1951 and awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries sustained while in service along with the Korean Service Medal with 4 stars. Bob was honorably discharged in 1953. He would later continue satisfying his sense of duty to the nation through his work on the restoration of the USS Slater and as a tour guide for over twenty years.

After graduating from college, Bob worked as a manager at Cluett Peabody in Troy and a Senior Data Communications Consultant for New York Telephone, retiring in 1990. He enjoyed being active in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and Pop Warner football. He was a Life Member of the Shaker Road Loudonville Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years. He served as an Operations Car as well as Deputy Director of Emergency Management in the Town of Colonie.

Survivors in addition to his beloved wife include his children: Robert Scott (Jane) Dawson, James George (Tina) Dawson, Lt. Col. Gary Richard (Carolyn) Dawson USAF, and Lynda Sue (Charles) Campagna; Eleven cherished grandchildren: Christopher, Elliott, Erica, Brittany, Thomas, Jacqueline, and Katherine Dawson and Bradley, Olivia, Julia and Anabella Campagna; as well as eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his late parents, Bob is predeceased by his brother, George (late June Colliton) Dawson and his sister June (Tom) Groat.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. The funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10:30 AM at Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham. Interment with military honors rendered by the US Navy to immediately follow the funeral service at Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are kindly asked to be made to the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center by visiting https://www.pay.gov. For further information or to express a sentiment of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.