Robert John Risley

Robert John Risley passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the age of 84 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was a resident of Cary, North Carolina during the last few years of his life, but his real home and his favorite place in the world was Old Forge, NY in the Adirondack mountains.

Bob was born in Utica, NY but moved to Old Forge at 14 attending Town of Webb Schools. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jean E. Thomas. They both attended Ithaca College, Bob for physical education and Jean for music and elementary education. They married during their senior year of college and moved to Poughkeepsie, NY where they began their teaching careers and started their family. Bob received a master’s degree in education from Cortland and began his coaching career at Arlington High School. Ten years later they moved back to their beloved hometown of Old Forge to raise their three children and continue their teaching careers.

Bob was a PE teacher for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, coached basketball, baseball, cross-country and golf, as well as becoming the Athletic Director for the Town of Webb Schools. He was lovingly referred to simply as “Coach” by his students and athletes, guiding them all with a firm but loving hand. He was a gifted athlete in his own right, switching from playing college baseball to soccer due to a hand injury. He went on to become MVP of Ithaca’s men’s soccer team. He taught himself to play golf and became a member of Thendara Golf Course where he won several tournaments and a senior championship. He was known for his incredible touch around the greens and his lights out putting. He passed on his love of sports to his children and supported all of them through their own sporting endeavors. He was immensely proud of them.

Bob had a beautiful singing voice, singing in the church choir his wife directed. Fifties music was his favorite, and he would often sing and dance along with his favorite songs, entertaining the grandchildren along the way. Bob loved coaching, playing and watching sports. He was a big fan of the New York Mets as well as Duke basketball. But he cheered the loudest for his children and grandchildren no matter what their endeavors…sports, music, ballet, or drama. He was funny and quick witted and incredibly generous with his time and talents. In his retirement, much of which was spent at Lockwood Folly in Supply, North Carolina, Bob played many rounds of golf, enjoyed keeping his yard beautiful and the birds well fed, and spent quality time with his family, especially his beautiful wife whom he called Jeanie. There was always a puzzle on the table and a sporting event on the TV. He had a gift for making people comfortable and could make anyone laugh – even people he would meet at a store or restaurant. He will be missed beyond measure, and his family was so very blessed to have had him as a husband, father and grandfather.

Bob is survived by his wife of more than 62 years, Jean, his three children and their spouses; Dana Risley (Bernadette), Christine Hamilton (John), Patricia Hall (Warren) and 8 grandchildren; Elizabeth Darling (Steve), Robert Hamilton, Sarah Snyder (Andrew), Caroline Hamilton, Kayla Hall, Madeline Hamilton, Emily Hall, and Sophia Hall. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Quentin and Eleanor Darling. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. He was pre-deceased by his mother, M. Mary Springer and his sister and her husband; Nancy and Thomas Stouch.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers who supported Bob and his family during his difficult journey with Alzheimer’s. A special thanks to Transitions Hospice of Raleigh who provided such compassionate and kind care to him during the last week of his life. We are forever grateful.

A memorial service will be held during the summer in Old Forge, NY with details to follow. The family would appreciate donations to either the Alzheimer’s association or Transitions Hospice of Raleigh.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Risley family.