Mr. Robert J. Regan

Robert John Regan, age 84, of the Norwood Road, Potsdam, NY passed away on Tuesday, March 7th at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born in Potsdam on February 20, 1933, the son of James D. and Anna McKenna Regan. Mr. Regan suffered a massive heart attack on his 84th birthday, but always a courageous fighter, he battled for two weeks prior to his death.

Mr. Regan graduated from Potsdam High School in 1951 where he was a talented athlete, the Varsity football quarterback and the starting basketball point guard from grades 10 through 12. He graduated from Saint Bonaventure University with a degree in Business & Economics in 1955. He completed graduate studies at St. Lawrence University. He also became a 1st Lieutenant through the ROTC program, later serving two years in the U.S. Army.

Bob was a gifted teacher first working at Massena Central High School, teaching the 11th grade American History Regents course and Advanced Placement courses in Economics. Bob took a break from teaching for a few years in the early 70’s becoming a Mass Mutual Insurance Agent. An excellent salesman, he took pride in being one of the top five salespeople nationally in the company in his rookie year. He returned to teaching at Potsdam Central High School where he was the Chairman of the History department for 20 years. Always a leader, Bob served as the Teacher’s Union representative for many years. He was also the Chairman of the St. Mary’s Parish Council and a long time lector there.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Marie Carbone Regan and their five children, Shawn Regan Long & husband Tom of Cary, NC, Denise Regan Sullivan and husband Tom of Saratoga Springs, NY, Gavin M. Regan, Potsdam, NY, Bridget Regan and her partner Hanna Weare of Gardiner, NY, Stephanie Regan Papayanakos and husband Andy of Watertown NY. Also carrying on his legacy are his nine grandchildren, Whitney (husband Michael), Brendan, Morgan and Shane Long of Cary NC, Taylor and Connor Sullivan of Saratoga Springs, NY; Alexis and Arianna Papayanakos of Wilmington NC and Carson Regan of Potsdam, NY.

Politics and History engaged Bob all his life. He was a great gardener and enjoyed working with his black angus cattle on the family homestead. Yet, nothing meant more to Bob than his family. He rarely missed a concert or sports event when his children were growing up. He was inordinately proud of their achievements as they grew and became successful adults. He also delighted in his grandchildren and their many talents and successes. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.

Services will be held at the Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam NY on Saturday, March 11 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm and on Sunday, March 12 from 5-8 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 13th at 11 am at St. Andrews Church in Norwood. Celebrant will be Monsignor John Murphy. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam in the spring. Condolences may be made on-line at www.GarnerFH.com

The family wishes to thank the Cardiac Care unit of St. Joseph’Hospital and the Emergency Staff of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital for their heroic care and support.