The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Berlin  – William Robert Bentley was born in Berlin, NY on February 15, 1922, to the late Eva Satterlee Bentley and Arlie Caleb Bentley. Robert, “Bob,” lived almost all his life on the farm which had been in his family since 1769.  He passed into eternal life on January 13, 2015, at the Eddy Heritage House in Troy, NY. [private]

Robert Bentley was a dairy farmer and served as president of the United Dairy Cooperative. He was Town Supervisor and a volunteer fireman for the Town he loved, Berlin, NY. As a County Legislator in the early 1960s, he cast the deciding vote to build Hudson Valley Community College.

In 1963, Robert received an environmental award for establishing the first Greenbelt in Rensselaer County. Trout Unlimited was granted permission to improve trout habitat in the Little Hoosick River.

Bob enjoyed reading biographies and was a longtime member of the Berlin Historical Society. He traveled to many countries and states with his family. His wife, Eleanor Garner Bentley, predeceased him.

In 2009, with his daughter, Ann Randall, “Randi,” Bob donated Bentley Cavern to the Northeastern Caving Society.

Bob will be missed by his daughter, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Berlin, on Friday, July 3 at 10 am. Robert was a lifetime member and had served as treasurer of that church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berlin Fire Department, the Berlin 4th of July Parade Committee or to the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Berlin. [/private]