Robert E. Ellsworth

Rhinebeck – Robert E. Ellsworth, 76, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Albany Medical Center.

Bob was a lifelong Rhinebeck resident and a graduate of Rhinebeck High School.

Born January 12, 1947 in Rhinebeck he was the son of Katherine (Bernice) Ellsworth; Katherine passed away when Bob was still an infant and he was adopted by his grandparents George (Wesley) and Katherine (Kitty) Ellsworth.  

Bob served in the US Navy from 1968 to 1974 and served on the USS Josephus Daniels and the USS Holder.  In the last several years, Bob had reconnected with his Holder shipmates and was an active member of the USS Holder Association, including in his most recent role as President.  Bob was proud of his service to his country and felt honored when his grandkids would point out his name on the Vietnam Memorial in town. 

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bob worked at Ruge’s before joining IBM in Poughkeepsie as a computer programmer.  While working at IBM, he went on to graduate from Marist College in May 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Bob would work at IBM for 28 years before retiring.

Bob was an active member of the Rhinebeck Community; He was recognized in 2018 for having served 50 years as a member, and former chief, of the Rhinebeck Fire Department.  He also served on the Thompson Mazzarella Park Committee, was a Boy Scout Leader and Treasurer of Boy Scout Troop #128, and was involved with the Rhinebeck Soccer League.

Bob is survived by his wife Setsuko Ellsworth of Rhinebeck; his son Richard, and his wife Catherine Macaulay; and their children Lucas, Abigail and Edward.

Services will be held privately for Bob’s family. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Rhinebeck Rescue Squad, 78 E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572

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