Obituary of Robert A. Foote

MINERVA:  Robert (Bob) Alfred Foote, 87, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026.  Born on Easter Sunday in the Town of Chester on April 17, 1938, he was the son of Leonard Foote and Ada Morse Foote.  Bob was raised in the Town of Minerva, NY where he resided most of his life. 

A graduate of Pottersville Central School, Bob especially enjoyed studying history as well as playing basketball and baseball.  His first job at age 15 was at a greenhouse in Chester, NY, where he worked until graduation.  Following high school, he worked for North Creek Trucking Company for two years as a mechanic.  He then accepted a position at Gallagher’s Garage where he worked for the next ten years.  In 1971, Bob was hired by the Town of Minerva Highway Department where he would remain for the next 29 years. At the age of 26, Bob was appointed Town Constable in Minerva.  He held that position, along with that of animal control officer, for many years.     

In his free time, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking.  He also was a brilliant craftsman and started his own woodworking business, Adirondack Rough, designing and building beautiful birch bark picture frames and mirrors.   Bob was a prolific storyteller, often sharing tales from his boyhood when he spent many hours getting into mischief at his grandfather’s lumber camp.

Bob loved music and dancing.  When he was a young boy, his family would frequently gather on Sunday evenings to play music.  With his mother on piano, father on fiddle, Bob perfected his harmonica playing skills.  Up until a few years ago, it was not unusual for Bob to pick up his harmonica, break into song and entertain those around him for hours.  

Bob is survived by his wife, Elaine Bristol, son, Barry (Donette) Foote; his grandchildren Nicole Fejeran and Easton Foote; stepchildren Robert Winch, Jeffrey Winch, Alan Winch and Leslie Bristol; his aunt, Effie Jane McNally; his cousin, Randy Vanderwalker; two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; siblings Phillip Foote, Brian Foote and June Fuller; his granddaughter, Cassie Foote; and his former wife, Vivian Foote.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.