TAPS: Passing of Captain (Ret) Robert Clements, U.S Navy Reserve, Age 92

Robert F. Clements, a long-time Clifton Park resident and native of New York, New York, died at age 92 on 31 October 2024 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by those he loved. He served as a as a reservist in Naval Intelligence from 1964 to 1989, ultimately retiring as a captain. 

Bob was a 1953 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, and commissioned as an ensign in June 1953 through the NROTC Program in Worcester, Massachusetts. He served on active duty from 1953 to 1956. 

He was initially assigned to the USS Baltimore (CA-68) as the assistant navigator during Mediterranean deployments and as the assistant supply officer when home-ported. In 1954, Robert reported to the Electronics School, Treasure Island, followed by an assignment to the USS Kula Gulf (CVS-108) as an electronics materiel officer. After the ship was decommissioned, he served as the transportation officer at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center, Maryland and was released from active duty in May 1956.

After his honorable discharge, Bob married his wife, Sally, in 1958 and they relocated to Schenectady to start their family, later moving to Clifton Park. Bob was an educated man who put his vast knowledge to use in his work throughout his life. After his time on active duty, he returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn NY in 1958. He also earned his master’s degree in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1960 while working at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where he grew his career over 35 years. Bob completed the GE Advanced Reactor Engineering Program in 1964 and worked as a nuclear reactor designer with heat transfer and fluid flow as an individual contributor before working his way up to project manager. Finally, when a new position for Manager for Information Programs was created at KAPL, Bob was just the man for the job, serving in the role for 15 years until his retirement in 1993. 

Bob also continued his military service for three decades as an active reservist in Naval Intelligence, eventually rising to be one of 17 Area Commanders in the U.S. until his retirement as a captain in 1989. He served with Naval Reserve Intelligence Unit 3-1-5 in Scotia, New York, beginning in August 1964. He rose to become the officer-in-charge in 1970. After the reorganization of the Naval Reserve Intelligence Program in 1974, he became the executive officer of Armed Forces General Unit 103 in Albany, New York, the intelligence officer of VTU 201 in Albany, and Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, of Navy Reserve COMSTRIKFLTLANT 102 in Albany from 1977 to 1981. Bob was then assigned to Intelligence Volunteer Training Unit 101, South Weymouth Massachusetts, where he served on the RIAC Staff as the recruiting officer and as Deputy RIAC for Production and Support. He was promoted to Reserve Intelligence Coordinator, Area 18, NAS South Weymouth, on 1 October 1984 and served for five years until he retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve at a ceremony on board the USS Constitution in 1989. 

He was authorized to wear the European Occupation, American Service, and Armed Forces Reserve medals. 

Outside of work, Bob kept just as busy giving his time to many community organizations. Among many other activities, Bob held long-time key volunteer roles with the Schenectady YMCA and the Charlton School for Girls and regularly volunteered for a local food pantry and Carelinks. He enjoyed tennis, handball, cheering on local sports teams, and investing himself in his children’s athletic and academic pursuits, always with time to lend a hand or a word of advice. He was also a member of various hiking clubs, a proud Adirondack 46er and a Northeast 111er. His love for the outdoors allowed him a chance meeting with the woman who would become his partner, Ann Close.  

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, big heart and giving nature. He was widely loved by virtually all who knew him and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his partner, Ann H. Close; his dear children Timothy (Kay) Clements, Patricia Clements, and Kristen (Douglas Karmin) Clements; his wonderful grandson Dylan Karmin; and his brother Kevin Clements. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Sabina “Sally” M. Clements.