Robert Patrick Pacatte

Robert “Rob” Patrick Pacatte, a lifelong resident of Howes Cave, New York, crossed over to the next life at his home on Monday, March 3, 2025. He was 60 years old.
Rob was born on August 7, 1964, in Astoria, Oregon, to the late Patricianne “Pat” Raftis-Pacatte (1941–2023) and James “Skip” Pacatte (1935–2007). The eldest of five kids, Rob grew up playing football and baseball alongside his brothers Rusty and Randy. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time outdoors.
He graduated from Cobleskill High School in 1982 before joining the Army National Guard. He served in the National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1988. After graduating high school, Rob attended SUNY Farmingdale where he was known as “Big Bird.” At Farmingdale, Rob was an MVP pitcher and later transferred to Norwich University where he was the first walk-on non-cadet to earn a spot on the collegiate football team. Rob graduated from Norwich in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a minor in partying.
As a professional working for Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), Rob joined a rugby team to enjoy fellowship and song. He later went on a trip to Ireland and when he was not tipping a few pints, Rob was honored as an MVP during their team tournament. Returning to Howes Cave to raise his family, Rob played and coached softball on Boreali’s Field with an occasional story told to remind us of his four home runs hit during a championship game on Silver Dollar Field. An athlete and bear of a man, he’d still rather be remembered as a friend.
While attending Norwich, Rob met Jeannette Brink whom he married in December 1990. Together, Rob and Jeannette had three children: Jeremy Patrick arrived in May 1991; Jessicanne “Jessa” Mercedes in June 1993; and Jerrad Preston in July 1995. Though they later divorced, together Rob and Jeannette, with the love and support of their extended families, raised their three children. Rob loved his children dearly and treated his seven nieces and nephews like his own. He found joy in puttering around his farm, spending time with his family, listening to classic rock and country music, and getting into “good trouble.” He will be remembered for his strong will, soft heart, his goofy sense of humor, warm hugs, and his beautiful smile.
Rob proudly served the State of New York for 28 years as an Assistant Resident Civil Engineer and Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Though he dealt with his fair share of health issues later in life, Rob loved his work. He especially enjoyed working with and supervising a dedicated crew of road and shop workers whom he affectionately referred to as “his guys.” He looked forward to returning to work at the time of his passing.
An Irish Catholic, Rob was deeply loved and is survived by a large family: his three children, Jeremy, Jessa (Sam), Jerrad, and “adopted” son Michael Ceraso; his siblings Rusty Pacatte (Carolyn), Randy Pacatte (Donna), Julie Pacatte (Dan), and Ryan Pacatte (Jenn); along with seven nieces and nephews: Erin, Gabbi, Allie, Alyssa, Donovan, Aidan, and Grace. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Pat and Skip.
Services will be performed by the Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home of Cobleskill. Visitation hours will be held from 6–8pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill. A Celebration of the Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11am at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 138 Washington Ave., Cobleskill on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Burial will take place in the spring at a later date at the Bramanville Prospect Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rob to the Bramanville Prospect Cemetery, P.O. Box 304, Warnerville NY, 12187.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.