SARATOGA SPRINGS – Robert A. (Bob) Stokes, a visionary leader in business, community, and public service, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on April 24, 2024.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1942, Bob was raised “in the shadow of Fenway Park.” He often said his lifelong devotion to the Boston Red Sox helped form his willingness to take on tough challenges and the endurance to see them through. He earned his Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in History in 1964, he married Julia Snelham Stokes, whom he met on a blind date while she was a student at Elmira College. They moved to the Capital Region, where he was hired as management with New York Telephone Co., the predecessor of Verizon. He spent the next 30 years managing the company’s plant and business offices while implementing strategies to build facilities in fast-growing areas including Saratoga County.
The County’s community infrastructure is infused with Bob’s nearly 60 years of influence and quiet, determined vision. His relentless practicality, and “done right, on time and under budget,” guided Bob’s oversight of a multitude of volunteer projects. When Bob and Julie moved to Saratoga Springs in the 1970s, he began serving on citizens’ planning committees. As the first chair of the Community Development Committee in Saratoga – he was proud to open Fire Station 2 on West Avenue. He went on to serve on numerous school redistricting committees, and when the Presbyterian Church on Broadway burned in 1976, Bob chaired the Building Committee, acquiring St Peter’s Convent on Circular Street and Park Place for the new structure.
After moving to the Town of Greenfield in 1979, Bob was appointed to the Greenfield Planning Board, later becoming Chair. He was elected to the Town Board in 1993 and Supervisor in 1995. Bob held public office for the next 10 years, serving as Greenfield’s Supervisor and Chair of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. He enjoyed building a solid financial base for the town, expanding Greenfield’s Town Hall and was committed to providing services to support managed growth like quality roads and parks. At the County level, he was proud of having proposed and funded the first Saratoga County Open Space Committee and grants in 2003.
He found a way to teach others in his retirement. He served as a volunteer at the Saratoga Auto Museum and had a special passion as a docent for the National Park Service at the Saratoga National Historic Park. Stokes would share his historical insights with friends and visitors. As a board member of the Friends of the Saratoga Battlefield, he helped lead the design, fundraising, and construction of the panoramic Saratoga Sword Surrender Site, expanding the boundaries of the historic seminal battlefield. He was a master of Trivial Pursuit, especially in the yellow “history” category, and waged epic games of Risk with his daughters and grandson. A lifelong interest in cars led to the restoration of several 1940s and 1950s British MG “T” series sports cars. He delighted in showing them at car shows, and with Julie, received numerous regional and national awards, including one of the Antique Automobile Club of America’s most prestigious honors.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years Julia Snelham Stokes, his daughters Lynn Stokes of Saratoga Springs, Jennifer Stokes of Denver, Colorado, and his grandchildren Mary Elizabeth Andrews of Monks Corner, South Carolina, and Dylan Stokes Crowe of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his extended family Linda Snelham Moore, Thomas Snelham, Courtney Snelham Rhodes, Peter Snelham, Eliza Moore, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Marion Stokes and son Edward Stokes.
A special thank you to the friends, family, and caregivers who have provided ongoing support during Bob’s palliative care.
Visiting hours will be held at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5- 7 p.m. with a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Hudson Crossing Park, Lock 5 Island, County Route 42 in Schuylerville, NY.
In recognition of Bob’s commitment to the community the family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Friends of the Saratoga Battlefield (648 Rt. 32, Stillwater, NY 12170) or a charity of your choice.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
