Robert Anthony D'Andrea, known as Bobby to all, was born on August 17, 1933, in Elizabeth, New Jersey the 11th of 13 children. Within a few months, his family moved to what would remain his residence, his beloved Saratoga Springs. He passed in his home surrounded by love after succumbing to complications from Cardiac Amyloidosis on March 21, 2025.

Bobby graduated from St. Peter's Academy and was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball for all four years. He then went on to attend Bentley College and Siena College studying business and accounting.

At 26 years old, Bobby would see an opportunity he would talk his future business partner, Walter Wrobel, into investing in Kaydeross Amusement Park. They owned and maintained an incredibly clean park and wholesome experience for patrons for more than 30 years. From the Olympic sized swimming pool, games, rides, arcade, homemade foods and large pavilions for private and corporate events to be held, Kaydeross would provide fun and memorable summers for thousands of people every year. The 4th of July fireworks provided the local area with an annual celebration. After the park closed its doors, Bobby was approached by city officials to obtain the carousel. His efforts, tenacity, and personal financial sacrifice were instrumental in negotiating the sale to the city of Saratoga Springs. The Kaydeross hand-carved Carousel was restored and relocated to Congress Park, where it remains operational to this day.

Bobby left an indelible impact on his family, friends, and community. His generosity, friendliness, and passion for helping people will be experienced for generations through his deeds and accomplishments. Greeting everyone with an enormous bright warm smile, he spent his career in service to the people of Saratoga Springs, New York State and his constituents.

Bobby began his career in government for seven years as Supervisor for the City of Saratoga Springs to the County Board of Supervisors. On numerous committees: Law & Finance, Health, Solid Waste, and Promotional and Industrial. He was the chairman of the Mental Health Committee and chairman of the Capital district Regional Planning Committee. Bobby also acted as the President of the Principessa Elena Society, director of the Saratoga Lake Property Association, Fort Hudson Foundation Chair, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the United Community fund, and President of the Saratoga County task Force on Alzheimer's disease.

Bobby is known most widely for the 27 years he spent as an Assemblyman for New York State.  Elected 14 times beginning in 1974, he would become the 3rd highest ranking Republican in the Assembly as the Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tem. He served as Minority Whip, Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference, and was ranking member on the Racing and Wagering Committee, ranking member on the Aging Committee and served on the Environmental Conservation, Health, Labor, Corporations, Tourism, and Ways and Means. Introducing countless bills and never missing a day of work, he impacted change for what he believed benefited the people, the environment, and the economy with the support of the people that voted for him. One of his most well-known laws that he introduced and got passed, was The Bottle Bill. To reduce solid waste and increase recycling, he introduced the law that would impact every purchaser of bottled beverages in New York State. His special legislation would also provide financing for the Saratoga Civic Center. Bobby's commitment to the environment was further demonstrated by his bill that would require ice-fishermen to remove their structures from lakes before thaw. His bill that would legislate the transportation of horses would become the national model for this type of legislation.

Bobby was enmeshed with his community as demonstrated by the numerous associations he was a member of: The Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Italian American War Veterans, Holy Name Society, Siena College Alumni Association, Wilton Grange, Honorary Member of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Women's Auxiliary of Greenfield, and Lector at St. Peter's Church.

Bobby had an open-door policy and a never-say-no optimism. He prided himself on being a problem solver and a deal maker. He was available to anyone and everyone all times of day, all days of the week. Among his accomplishments was fighting for St. Peter's High School, renamed Saratoga Catholic Central which remains open. The local Pastor had the school docketed for closure. Bobby made an appointment with the Bishop and with help from a couple of local businessmen, secured a financial commitment and promise to keep the school open. His commitment to St. Peter's extended to starting a basketball program for elementary children in the late 1960's on Saturday mornings and also acted as a volunteer coach. A lifetime lover of sports, golf and handball were his two favorites to compete in.

Bobby retired from government in 2001 and began working as the Director of Business and Public Relations for D.A. Collins.

In 1959, he would meet the great love of his life, Theresa Jenny DelVecchio. After a brief courtship, they would marry and build a life together that would exceed any dream they had. Robert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Theresa; children Domenic (Gini), Mary Grace (Bob), Faust (Karen), Jean (Chad), Louise (Adam); grandchildren: Zachary (Devin), Kia, Misha (Galen), Faustina, Kristin (Matthew), Rob, Nathaniel and Max: great-grandchildren: Noelle and Jaxon. He is also survived by brothers, Faust (Judy) and Joseph (Mary Ellen) and 28 nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at The Church of Saint Peter, 241 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of sending flowers, memorial donations to the following charities in Robert's honor:

Franklin Community Center: https://www.franklincommunitycenter.org/waystogive/volunteer/

Saratoga Central Catholic School: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/Jr_Alg?vid=1ifz3s

or the American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give?form=FUNELYZXFBW

would be appreciated.