Robert T. Boyling

“A life lived close to the earth and full of quiet wisdom”. Robert T. Boyling, 79, of the town of Perth, passed away unexpectedly on May 9, 2025 surrounded by the peace of the forest behind his home. He was born in Niskayuna on July 20, 1945, a son of the late Robert R. and Helen Arnold Boyling. He was raised and educated in Guilderland and shortly after graduation, enlisted into the United States Navy. Bob worked for General Electric Co. before working in construction with the Laborers Local #157 where he met many lifelong friends. A true outdoorsman in every sense of the word, Bob lived a life deeply rooted in nature. He found his greatest peace in the woods, on the water, and walking the edges of a trapline. He was a skilled hunter, fisherman, and lifelong trapper, carrying on traditions that connected him to the land and to generations before and after him. His respect for nature was matched only by his knowledge of it. He knew every tree, trail, and current like the back of his hand. In the early part of the 1980’s, Bob went under the tutelage of Bob’s Taxidermy in Johnstown, becoming endowed with skills in taxidermy that afforded Bob a livelihood. It was a craft he practiced with patience and care. His work preserved the beauty of the animals he honored and told stories without words. He continued the trade out of his own home for the greater part of 30 years. Beyond his love of the outdoors, bob had an enduring appreciation for history. He was student of the past, especially American history, and could spend hours imparting our shared history with a quiet passion that made you want to listen. He was a traveler, never content to stay still for too long. Whether it was a cross-country road trip with friends or a quiet weekend at a new fishing hole, Bob believed in seeing the world with his own eyes, right up to the end. Bob had enduring friendships, the tightest circle of men and their families who he considered his own. His sense of humor afflicted many who still tell the tales of his pranks. He had a deep loyalty to those he cared about and always had sound advice. He will be missed and may he rest peacefully, beneath the sky he loved. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a brother, Steven Boyling. Survivors include his wife and companion of almost 50 years, Betty Jeanne VonStettina Boyling; children, Peter (Cheyenne Izard) VonStettina and Cassidy VonStettina, of Perth; grandchildren, Peter and Noah VonStettina-May, Virginia Rose Sartwell, Alexi Martinez, and Roman John; a brother, Thomas Boyling; a niece and nephew, Jaime (Todd) Milligan and Thomas Boyling; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, their wives, and children who are family, including, John Higgins, Frank Fernandez, Hal Willette, Paul Costello, George Gavaris, Lincoln “Skeeter” Grimm, Lenny Soodoll, Billy Gunther, Tom Daggett, and countless other friends and fellow outdoorsmen. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc. 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 & Black Street), Johnstown. There will be a time for sharing at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Bonnie Orth, officiating. Interment with military honors will be private for family and close friends at Knox Cemetery, Knox, New York where his family rests. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation for the care of the Perth Volunteer Fire Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Troopers, Maggie Luck, Lake Valley Emergency Medical Services, the Fernandez, Higgins, Walendziak/Halgas, and Sturgess families for their unparalleled support during this very difficult time.

Robert T. Boyling

July 20, 1945 - May 8, 2025

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Robert T. Boyling

July 20, 1945 - May 8, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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