Robert Jesse Chamberlain, 99, passed away with his wife holding his hand at Barnwell Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, on April 22. Born in Muitzeskill, NY, Bob spent his entire life in Chatham. He was the son of Francis and Jesse. He attended the Chatham schools, and served in the US Army during World War II. He proudly defended our country at the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his return home, jobs were hard to procure, and Bob took a position delivering groceries for a local store. During his career, he was a security guard for Winthrop Labs, he owned and operated the Mobil gas station on Church Street in Chatham for 18 years, and then was employed by the Chatham Central School District as a bus driver. This was the job he loved the most, and to this day, several of his former students recall him fondly. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Jean (Cox), his daughter Gail Chamberlain, his grandchildren Heather Davis and Joseph McDonald, and his two great-grandchildren Ariana Jean and Lyla Rose. He is predeceased by his son, Robert William, a sister Myrna Pultz and a brother, Clarence (aka Slim). Bob enjoyed fishing and he had a special penchant for horse racing. His "little black book" was infamous amongst his cronies. He was a walking encyclopedia regarding his beloved hometown of Chatham. There wasn't a person he didn't know, nor a location he wasn't familiar with. He was a lover of animals, and often would show up at home with yet another stray. Bob was a true patriarch for his family, and will be missed. Calling hours will be from 10AM-11AM on Monday, April 25 at French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home; 25 Railroad Ave.; Chatham, NY. This will be followed by a graveside service at the Chatham Center Rural Cemetery on Route 66 in Chatham Center. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.