SCHENECTADY — Robert J. Bosset Sr. was a warm-hearted man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures such as word searches and long drives. At the age of 72, he died on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019.

Mr. Bossett was born on Nov. 23, 1946 in Newark, New Jersey, where he grew up in a housing development before he and his family moved to Berne in 1967 when he was about 18. His sister, Jacqueline Moore, said that their father used to camp in Berne, where their grandfather owned a camp on Lake Onderdonk.

Their father built a house for the family on Tabor Road in Berne, where he still lives to this day, said Ms. Moore. Mr. Bosset lived in Berne for a short period of time after the family moved there, but then went on to live in Schenectady, where he would remain for over 40 years.

Ms. Moore said she and her brother were close. Although he was eight years older than she, he would let her join him and his friends when they would attend services at a Pentecostal Church in New Jersey where they lived, she said.

When they were older, Ms. Moore said that, before ending a phone conversation, Mr. Bosset would “always beat me to the punch” to say “I love you” to her, she said.

Mr. Bosset lived in several places in Schenectady, mainly in the area around the former St. Clare’s Hospital, said his nephew, William Brown Jr. For many years, he worked for Avis Car Rental as a driver.

Two years ago, due to illness, Mr. Bosset moved to the Ten Eyck Apartments, run by the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority. He would take the bus to the senior living community the Eddy, where he would have his meals and play cards.

“He loved to do the word search,” said Ms. Moore. “He had books and books on word searches.”

When he was able to, Mr. Bosset enjoyed going fishing on the Mohawk River, listening to country music, or driving into the Hilltowns. His nephew said he liked “classic country,” especially Patsy Cline.

“We were always hopping in the jeep to go somewhere,” said Mr. Brown. Once, he said, he and his uncle rented a car and spent a week exploring Mr. Bosset’s hometown in New Jersey.

Mr. Bosset was divorced and had one son, Robert Bosset II.

“They were very, very close … ,” said Ms. Moore. “More like brothers than father and son.”

As he had trouble leaving the house with his illness, Mr. Bosset’s son would come to visit him and stay at his home to keep him company, said Ms. Moore.

She said that Mr. Bossett was generous and warm-hearted.

“He would do anything for anybody,” she said. “He was just an all-around nice guy.”

****

Robert J. Bosset Sr. is survived by his son, Robert J. Bosset Jr.; his father, George Bosset; his sisters, Frances Brown and Jacqueline Moore; his niece, Patricia Brown; his nephew, William Brown, Jr.; and his great-niece, Tatianna Brown.

At his request, no funeral services will be held for Mr. Bosset. Mourners may leave condolences online at altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Post Office Box 15829, Arlington, Virginia 22215.