Robert Critcher

Robert J. Critcher passed early November 30, 2018, after a sudden illness.  His wife Ellen was at his bedside.

Bob came to St. Peter's Hospital on November 1st with what was thought to be a bladder infection.  Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.  Bob then moved from St. Peter's Hospital to the Hospice Inn, where he was able to live pain-free and interact with his family and his many loving friends before passing.

Bob was a member of Local 7 Plumbers and Steamfitters and worked as a plumber until retiring.  He then started Schuyler Home Repair which flourished for a number of years, and he also sold real estate for Bob Howard.  Still later, he formed Critcher Video doing legal video for attorneys, working alongside his wife Ellen Frankovitch, a court reporter.  Bob was a problem-solver who generously gave his time to help other videographers.  Bob had a gift of excelling at pretty much anything he tried.  He was successful in all of his endeavors, earning profound respect from clients, peers, family and friends.

For the last 30-some-odd years, Bob worked on the 1800s house that he and his wife bought, creating a beautiful home that reflected his artist's eye and his craftsmanship.

It has been a warm and loving space for him and his family which has included numerous rescued cats.  Bob loved animals passionately and volunteered for Whiskers for many years.  He helped nurture homeless animals, taking them into his home.  He also found solace in the woods.  He loved to take long walks in the area, enjoying the silence and the wildlife around him. Bob became a voracious reader when he discovered audio books.  He enjoyed everything from classics to mysteries to historical fiction.

Bob was loved by so many, to quote an email Ellen received from a dear friend, for "his generosity and grace.  His humor was great and his curmudgeonly mien belied a tenderness that was deep."  He was a master storyteller, charming people with a twinkle in his eye.  He was quick-witted, could be hilariously funny, thoughtful and introspective.  People sought Bob out when they were struggling and needed his perspective.  He shared his insights and wisdom gently and lovingly, and he had the ability to cut through to the core of things.

Since 1984, Bob and his wife Ellen were deeply in love and relished each other's company.  Their devotion, their enjoyment, laughter and delight with each other was evident to those who knew them.

Bob's older son, Robert, passed in 2016.  His son's death was a hard blow to him. Bob is survived by his daughter Barbara, and his younger son William and Williams wonderful wife Martha.  They have been devoted to him and he to them.  When Bob became ill, Bill was at his side.  He made him laugh, attending to him with a loving grace.  Always attentive, his daughter Barbara spent precious time with him while he was in Hospice, which meant so much to Bob.  His granddaughters, Bree and Skye, were the great delight of his life.  He dearly loved his grandson Will Critcher.  Jennifer Schilling, the mother of his granddaughters, was loved by him and held close to his heart.

He is also survived by his sisters, Doris Leremain of Delmar, and Janet Schrader of Georgia, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Community Hospice where he finally found respite from the hell of his cancer or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, from whom he adopted so many beloved members of his family.  The family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to the yoga community at the Yoga Loft for their continued loving prayers and support.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service Sunday December 9, 2018 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with family reflections at 10:30 am at the McLoughlin & Mason Funeral Home, corner of 109th Street and Third Avenue, Lansinburgh.

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