BERNE — Robert E. Flagler, an auditor and long-time Berne councilman, died on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, under Hospice care, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany. He was 81.

He was born on Dec. 5, 1935, the son of Floyd and Ruth Flagler. He was raised in Berne and graduated from Berne-Knox Central School in 1953.

Mr. Flagler enlisted in the Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1958. While stationed in Germany, he took his leave times to travel to several European countries.

He was an employee of the Dime Savings for 30 years, retiring as auditor. He then worked for the Albany County Sheriff’s Office in the auditing department.

He was a life member of the Berne Reformed Church and the Berne Volunteer Fire Department, serving as treasurer for many years in both organizations.

Mr. Flagler also served on the Berne Town Board for 26 years. At the time of his death, he was on the board of directors of the Eastern Mutual Insurance Company.

In retirement years, he and his wife, Doris, traveled to all 50 states, and to the provinces of Canada. They also sailed to many Caribbean Islands with their friends, Doris and Ed White. For several years they wintered at St. Augustine Beach and Orange Lake in Florida.

“He shared fond memories of Flagler and Miller family get-togethers and always looked forward to his weekly coffee with Art,” his family wrote in a tribute.

Mr. Flagler enjoyed camping and deer hunting in earlier years. Later, he became an avid golfer, and bocce player with friends at Brandle Meadows in Altamont.  He also enjoyed NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) races and he never gave up on the New York Yankees.

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Robert E. Flagler is survived by Doris, his wife of 56 years; his daughter, Carol Barber, and her husband, Dennis; his son, Rick Flagler, and his wife, Robin. He was “Grampy” to Michael, Sage and Kevin, Tyler  Flagler and his wife, Jaclyn, and to Justin Barber he was “P”; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

His brother, Bill Flagler, died before him.

Memorial services will be held at the Berne Reformed Church at 1664 Helderberg Trail in Berne on Saturday, Feb., 11, with a calling hour at 11 a.m. and a service at noon. Burial will be in the spring. Arrangements are by the Fredendall Funeral Home of Altamont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Berne Reformed Church, 1664 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY  12023; to the Berne Volunteer Fire Company, Post Office Box 41, Berne, NY  12023; or to a charity of one’s choice.