Robert W. Humes

Bob Humes, surrounded by his wife and children, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Born Robert Wales Humes to the late William J. and Elizabeth McLain Humes on January 4, 1955 in Massillon, OH, Bob spent his formative years in Western New York.

This upbringing instilled in him a lifelong love of football, rock 'n' roll, food cooked on an open fire, and time spent outdoors (regardless of temperature or conditions). A combination of these four pastimes: watching a game in the garage with the door open, snow falling, the Allman Brothers on the radio, and the BBQ going, made for a perfect weekend afternoon in his eyes.

Regardless of the outcome of the game or what was on the grill, one thing was always for certain: Bob would make a place - and a plate - for everyone. He welcomed and served others with an open heart and a generous spirit, finding joy in shared moments with friends and family, while always remembering in prayer those who were unable to be at the table each evening.

Bob grew up as the second of five siblings: William Humes, Jeff Humes, Jane Humes VanDam, and the late Jill Humes Johnston. With their parents, they built many family memories at their home in Lewiston, NY, though a great deal of their fondest memories were made at their family home in Maine where they ventured each summer. The Maine coast remains the epicenter of family life for the Humes and nothing made Bob happier than spending time there with his family.

Bob graduated from Lewiston High School in Lewiston, NY before completing his education at Cortland Community College. After college, he embarked on what would become a life of service to others. He believed strongly that wanting the best for others was what made one happiest, and he lived this value fully in both his personal and professional lives.

Bob dedicated his career to helping people in their times of greatest need. He served as a youth counselor at South Lansing School, worked with the New York State Commission for the Blind, and cared for recovering patients at Auburn Memorial Hospital. His selfless and unwavering support for those in his care left a lasting impact on the lives of countless people and families.

But Auburn Memorial turned into more than a place of work for Bob. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jennifer Montague Humes. They fell in love after one blind date in the hospital cafeteria and were married nine months later. Shortly thereafter they became parents; first to twin daughters, Jessica Humes Delgado and Melissa Humes Thacker and later to their son, Christopher Robert Humes. Bob loved his kids fiercely. He told them so all the time and he showed them every day through moments big and small. Whether he was taking them on an overnight camping adventure, cheering them on from the stands at a school athletic event, or simply offering one of his signature hugs (the kind that only he could give), Bob showed up for them relentlessly. Together, he and Jennifer raised them with the same values of love, selflessness, and empathy that they held dear and, true to form, when Jessica and Melissa brought home their future husbands - Noel Delgado and Sam Thacker - Bob welcomed them into the family immediately and with open arms. Before long, those open arms were filled with grandchildren whom he adored: Natalie Elizabeth Delgado, Matthew Hudson Thacker, James Robert Delgado, and Benjamin McLain Thacker. They, and the rest of the family, now know Bob best as "DaddyGrand." He leaves them and his children with the unwavering knowledge that DaddyGrand loves them and is so very proud of them.

Bob will be forever missed by all who got to feel his warmth and know his kindness. At the same time, all of his family and friends take comfort today, knowing that somewhere in Heaven, there's classic rock on the radio, a Bills game on the TV, and food on the grill - and most importantly, that it's not goodbye, it's I'll see you later.

Friends and relatives are invited to join Bob's family on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 for calling hours from 1:00-2:30pm at the W.J. Lyons, Jr., Funeral Home located at 1700 Washington Ave in Rensselaer, NY 12144. A funeral service will be held at 2:30pm on the same day at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.