Robert Charles Parsons

Robert Charles Parsons, 79, a lifelong resident of Ancram, passed away on August 19, 2026, at Albany Medical Center. He was born on June 20, 1947, in Rhinebeck to the late Bradford and Margaret (Swartz) Parsons.

Bob was a 1965 graduate of Roeliff Jansen School, where he played basketball and excelled in track, earning him the distinction of once being called “the fastest man in Columbia County.” He went on to earn his associate degree in accounting from SUNY Delhi in 1967.

Bob worked for more than 40 years at Columbia Auto Parts in Hudson, a job he truly loved. Not one to stay still, after retiring he went to work for NAPA in Millerton. Bob met countless people through his work and had an extraordinary ability to remember everyone by name. In fact, Bob was an encyclopedia of names, faces, and facts. He could effortlessly recall birthdays, phone numbers, addresses, road networks, and sports stats—all the sports stats!

In his free time, Bob enjoyed playing golf, finding a good deal and, most of all, spending time with his family and friends. Over the years, he played in baseball and bowling leagues, spent countless hours tending to his lawn, and enjoyed whatever his garden had to offer. He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ancram, and he was a member of the church council for many years.

Above all, nothing surpassed the enjoyment Bob got from spending time with the people he loved. He was an avid traveler, making trips to Montana to visit his children, sharing adventures with his dear friends Wally and April Elliott, and, most recently, traveling with the Roe Jan Young at Hearters, where he continued to make new friends. Wherever he went, Bob made sure to bring home a T-shirt, hat, or other souvenir to add to his extensive collection.

Bob shared more than 35 years with his companion, Cindy Mackay. He is also survived by his children, Ryan Parsons, Dr. Hillary Parsons, Shane Parsons, John Mackay, and Jennifer Duffy; his five grandchildren, Kellan and Lucy Duffy, and Connor, Madison, and Robert Parsons; his sister, Ann Brunese; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob also leaves behind more lifelong and newly made friends than could possibly be mentioned by name—but you know who you are.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bradford and Margaret Parsons; his brother, David Parsons; and his aunt, Muriel “Peggy” Parsons.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 3, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, CR-7, Ancram. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. The service will start at 11:00. A celebration-of-life reception will follow the service at the Ancram Firehouse.