Robert E. "Bob" Davis

Robert E. ("Bob") Davis, a long-time resident of Falmouth, MA and Kingston, NY, passed away peacefully on August 3rd, 2024, at 98 years of age. Bob had a rich and fulfilling life. Born in East New York (Brooklyn) to Peggy and Harry Davis, he graduated from Far Rockaway High School and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he served in the Pacific as a communications officer and developed a taste for flying.

His adventurous spirit was his most defining characteristic. A member of the Kingston Flying Club, he was nowhere as happy as behind the wheel of a Cessna. An avid golfer, fitness fanatic, snow skier, Scotch enthusiast, duplicate bridge player, pilot, traveler and photographer, Bob's wish was to be remembered for "relishing the joys and surprises that life presented and was always ready for a hot pastrami on rye!"

From the 1950s through the 1970s, Bob was President of Kingston Knitting Mills, Vice President of Barclay Knitwear in Port Ewen and was an industry pioneer for developing the most state-of-the-art technology in menswear manufacturing. Deeply involved in the community, Bob served on the Boards of Junior Achievement, the Benedictine Hospital and Temple Emanuel. He was a Founder of Ulster Academy, the first private college preparatory school in the county. In the 1960s, Bob played a key role in crafting the Ulster County charter, demonstrating his dedication to the region's development and governance.

In recent years, despite the challenges of not being able to live independently, Bob's daughter Jane devoted herself to his care and well-being. Bob's zest for life, sense of humor, and sarcastic wit never waned, and his legendary appetite remained unmatched among nonagenarians.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful care of Golden Hill A 3 and Cape Cod Senior Residence.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Nancy Snell (Stephen), Jane Davis, and Karen Davis Athanassiadis (Nick). He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Liz Robinson (Brian), Michael Athanassiadis, and two great-grandchildren, who will cherish his memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service. We will celebrate Bob's remarkable energy and longevity at a graveside service on Monday, August 6, 2024 at 12pm at Montrepose Cemetery, 75 Montrepose Ave, Kingston, NY 12401. The family will be sitting Shiva at the residence of Jane Davis from 2pm to 7pm Tuesday through Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 5pm. His legacy of adventure, humor, and community spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.