WHITEHALL - Robert Ackley Purdy, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, NY , following a brief illness.

He was born December 11, 1930, in Vassar Brothers' Hospital, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. , the son of Eugene and Beatrice (Burger) Purdy.

Robert was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School and attended Oswego College of Industrial Arts..

Robert served in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman in the Korean W ar.

Upon returning home to Poughkeepsie began a distinguished career with the New York State Police on August 15, 1953. He rose to the rank of Sargent and was in charge of the Whitehall substation when he retired on December 12, 1974. He had various assignments throughout N . Y State including Warrensburg, Latham, Catskill, Rochester, Cobleskill, South Glens Falls and Whitehall.

He and his wife, the late, Lenora Deckert Purdy, were united in marriage Feb. 14, 1954. They settled in Whitehall in 1955.

Following his retirement, he went into the insurance business with the Edward J. Williams Insurance Co. (now Northern Insurance Co . ).

Robert was formally a member of the Whitehall Grange, Elks, American Legion and Rotary Club.

He was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church and was instrumental in the church's construction.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing , camping and traveling with his family.

Besides his parents , he was predeceased by his wife; daughter, Keni Purdy , and granddaughters, Tani and Janae Purdy.

He is survived by one son, Robert E. Purdy and his wife, Nancy , of Spokane,