GLENS FALLS — Robert Allen “Coach” Addison, 90, went into the arms of the Lord Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on December 7, 1922, in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late Robert K. and Frances (Richards) Addison.
After he graduated from Alliance High School in Ohio, he obtained his Bachelors from Oberlin College where he was inducted into the Heisman Hall of Fame. Bob continued his education at New York University where he obtained his Masters and Ed.S.
Bob is an original Edson’s Raider with the United States Marine Corps, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. He also served in the Korean Conflict. Bob thoroughly enjoyed attending the annual Edson’s Raider’s Reunion in Quantico, Virginia. In 2013, Bob was inducted into the NYS Veteran’s Hall of Fame for his service to his country.
He was very active with the First Baptist Church of Glens Falls. Bob was a speaker in area high schools, educating today’s youth on the history of World War II. He was also very active with the Marine Corps Memorial Detachment # 2, Post 233 American Legion of Glens Falls, and the Edson’s Raider’s (1st Marine Bn) Association. Bob also served as a member of the Neighborhood Association.
He married Elizabeth Davenport on July 9, 1949, in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. She went to the Lord January 28, 2013.
Bob taught for several colleges in New Jersey, Maine, and Nebraska before settling in the Glens Falls area. He served as the first Director of Athletics at Adirondack Community College and later became a full time professor and coach. He retired from ACC after 29. In 2013 he became the first inductee into the SUNY Adirondack Athletic Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents and wife, he is predeceased by his sisters; Edith Graffice, Martha Jane Arnold, and a brother, William Addison.
Bob is survived by his children, Allen Addison of Glens Falls, Karen and David Taylor of Williamsburg, VA, Rebecca and Frank Troelstra of Glens Falls, Virginia Siegler of Van Nuys, CA and Edith Addison of Glens Falls; his grandchildren, Ben and Amy Troelstra of Glens Falls, Luke and Jenny Taylor of Williamsburg, VA, Jesse, Dylan and Riley Siegler of Van Nuys, CA; and many “daycare grandchildren”; his sister, Carol Peters and her husband Joe of Alliance, Ohio; his brother Russell Addison, and his wife Eleanor of Bradenton, Florida; his in laws, Jack Kloeber of Dallas, Pennsylvania, Polly Czar and her husband, George, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Emily Foster and her husband, Don, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Ellen Davenport of Boston, Massachusetts, and Jane Davenport of Omaha, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; his caregivers, Mary West-Hannigan, Sara Crannell, Charlie the dog, Debbie Bombard, RoseMarie Seabury, Marie Bell, Ginny Tramposh, Tom Tramposh, Tim Benner, Betty Young, Sue Arnold; six “granddogs”; and many friends and neighbors
There are no calling hours.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Glens Falls, 100 Maple St, Glens Falls, with the Rev. Donald Shuler, officiating.
A reception, at the church, will follow the services.
A private interment will take place at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the town of Stillwater.
Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to SUNY Adirondack Foundation, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804, Memorial Detachment #2, Marine Corps League, “Toys for Tots” P.O. 322, Glens Falls, NY 12801, and The SPCA, P.O. Box 171, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
Bob’s family requests that in his memory, please do an act of random kindness.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.