QUEENSBURY & HUDSON FALLS – Robert M. “Bob” Cackener, 89, formerly of Hudson Falls and more recently of The Glen at Hiland Meadows, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 18, 2013, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on March 20, 1924 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Millard W. and Madaline (Root) Cackener.
Bob served in the United States Army Medical Corp. on a hospital ship in North Africa during World War II.
He graduated from Hudson Falls High School and in1952, Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Lawrence University. He continued his education and was awarded a Masters of Arts degree in education from SUNY at Oneonta.
On April 17, 1960, he married the love of his life, Helen Lewis at the First United Methodist Church in Schenectady and become father to three beautiful young daughters.
For 25 years, Bob taught 5th grade at Margaret Murphy Elementary School in Hudson Falls, retiring in 1980. He loved the opportunity to teach and care about so many children.
Bob was a member of the NY State United Teachers Association and for several years he was the President of the local teachers union. Bob was a very active man belonging to several organizations. He was a member, an Elder and a Clerk of the Session for many years at the First Presbyterian Church in Hudson Falls. Other organizations that he belonged to include, the Schenectady Lodge #1174/F. & A.M., The Oriental Temple, AANOMS, the Glens Falls YMCA and an honorary life member and volunteer of S.P.A.C. Bob loved the ballet and listening to opera. At the time of his death, he was reading a 500 page book on the history of ballet. Along with his wife, he was a docent at The Hyde Collection. Bob was also a member of the American Legion Post 574 of Hudson Falls and volunteered at Station WMHT/WMHX.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Helen Cackener of Queensbury; his three daughters, Deborah L. Poplasky and her husband, Thomas of Canandaigua, Elizabeth Lewis-Michl and her husband, Thomas of Delmar and Margaret Lewis-Price of Tualatin, Oregon; his brother, John H. Cackener and his wife, Priscilla of Westfield; seven grandchildren, Caitlin Bartusch and her husband, Jeff, Betsy Adkins and her husband, Chad, Glyn Michl, Meredith Michl, Sarah Price, Hannah Price and Rob Price; and his great grandson, Thomas Adkins.
Friends may call on Thursday, July 25, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.
Funeral Services will be conducted 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hudson Falls, with the Rev. Michael Planke, pastor, officiating.
Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the town of Stillwater.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls, Scholarship Fund, 5 River Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
To Helen and Family, My deepest sympathies to each and everyone of you. Bob was an extraordinary man and will be missed by all. May God give you comfort in this time of need. Sincerely, Barbara Abbott
Mrs Cackner and family…. So sorry to hear of Mr. Cackner’s passing. He was a wonderful man. I so enjoyed talking with you both at our last Class of 80 Renion. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. ~ Carmel Cicero Cowan
To my HF High School English teacher and “Y” Fitness Center friend, Mrs. Cackener…I am so sorry to hear of of your loss. My heart is with you and your family. God Bless…your student, Shirley Rice
Helen and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and stepfather. He was my fifth grade teacher and a good friend at church. I am sorry I won’t be in town for calling hours or the funeral but will be holding all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathies. Holly Smith Mabb
Helen, Debbie, Betsy, Meg and Family. So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was one of a kind and I have fond memories of our many times together. Of course he and Dad shared many great times and adventures, and you’ve both always been there with love and support. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time. God Bless
Dear Helen and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and my heart at this sad time. Cheryl Tucker
Dear Helen,
How could I ever forget you and Bob? You were so supportive during an extremely difficult time in my life. From you, Helen, I learned so much about teaching and from both of you, about parenting, and simply being good friends to others. Recently widowed myself, I have some degree of understanding what you are experiencing. I hope it helps to know how much I cared about you and Bob.
Kalista Nichols (Sheila Nichols’ Hoover’s sister)
Helen, Sorry for your loss of Bob.I’ll be thinking of you. If you need any help please give me a call. Wayne & I always enjoyed your company. Bea.
To Helen and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I think of the years we were always running into each other at the various events that attracted us both so much–the arts we are incredibly lucky to have nearby. Bob was such a great supporter of both community efforts and the biggies like the New York City Ballet. More than once I’d come home from something, local or at SPAC, and Ian would ask if I’d seen anyone I knew.
That answer was often, “Yes, I saw the Cackeners again.” What better memory to have of Bob, with Helen at his side, than our intermission chats and “critiques.” We particularly shared an appreciation of Wendy Whelan.
I hope you will keep attending the programs you and Bob enjoyed, Helen. I am good for a ride if you ever need one.
Bob will be missed. With sympathy and love, Janet Loudon
Dear Mrs Cackener and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr Cackener’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you. The Hudson Falls community has lost a great teacher and a wonderful humanitarian. Unfortunately, I never had the privilege of being in his classroom. He did not let four walls stop him from teaching. I can only imagine what being in his classroom must have been like. He will be greatly missed.
– Larry Binns
Dear Helen and all of Bob’s family, Bob was one of a kind and he loved all of you so much! I was so very sad to see that Bob had passed away but know your strong faith and love will sustain you. Marion
Helen,
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We remember him fondly from the Phi Beta Kappa meetings, he always kept us laughing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dawn and Mike Sylofski
Mrs. Cackener, Debbie, Betsy, Meg and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of times during my childhood spent with your family. My Mom and Dad were your good friends for so many years. The years brought change but you both were always steadfast in your love and support which never wavered. Mr. Cackener was such a wonderful friend to my Dad, especially in his last years, and I will be forever grateful to him for that. Please know that my thoughts, love and prayers are with you all during this difficult and very sad time.
Thank you all for your kind words. I will find a time this week to read them to Helen (Mom) – Betsy Lewis-Michl
Helen & Family
Our deapest sympathy for your loss.
We met Helen & Bob in the 70s through a lucky coincidence-Helen & I are both graduates of the same Ohio college. We all shared an abiding interest in the arts & regularly encountered each other at many venues throughout the region. Over the years we also shared our love & pride of children, grandchildren & most recently a great grandchild, as well as much emotional support as we dealt with the various infirmities of advancing age.
We were fortunate to stop in to see Helen & Bob just a week before his passing, during our annual visit to Northeatern NY. We couldn’t help but think of Bob as we watched a PBS special on Jacob’s Pillow after our return to our new home in SC. It surely would have made him smile.
We will miss Bob’s compassion, wit, and friendship. Blessings & comfort to his family
Dear Mrs. Cackener and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You’ll never lose the wonderful memories of so many years together. Remember the good times and talk about him often. It helps during the tough times.
I graduated HFHS in 1973 and remember you as my absolute favorite teacher.
Maureen ( Little sister of Bob and Bill Powers )
Oh, Helen
I am live in Florida now, and just found out that Bob has gone on ahead of us.
You both are teachers and friends that are, and will always remain, outstanding in my memory. All about me that is good is due, in some measure, to you both.
The world is a bit dimmer for Bob’s passing.
My thoughts are with you and your family.