Obituary of Robert Edward Gale

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert E. Gale a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, attorney, State and Federal Judge and engaged member of the Syracuse community, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, March 18th at the age of 86.

He was born the oldest of three children on January 18, 1939, in Syracuse, NY to John and Leslie Gale. From a young age, he exhibited an outgoing spirit, sense of adventure, and remarkable curiosity that led him to earn his private pilot license before graduating from Solvay High School.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Syracuse University as a cadet in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), he continued his formal education and graduated from the Syracuse University School of Law in 1962 and was subsequently commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. As a Lieutenant, he was assigned to Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. He went on to serve in the Dominican Republic during a period of significant political instability and civil war. He also spent a year as an attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Delhi, India.

Returning to the U.S. and Syracuse, then-Captain Gale transitioned to the United States Army Reserve and embarked on a distinguished legal career as an attorney, New York State Judge for more than 20 years and ultimately as Federal Judge for more than 10 years. He dedicated his professional life to the practice of law with honor, the highest level of integrity, commitment to fairness, and sound jurisprudence in the best interest of the United States and those who appeared before him.

He was also unwavering in his personal commitment to leadership in military service as an Army Officer where he rose to the rank of Brigadier General retiring from the Army Reserve in 1994, having made an indelible mark on his peers, superiors and subordinates. This mark was summarized in his military records describing him as “demonstrating outstanding professional ethics in all aspects assuming total responsibility for his actions and those of his command. An officer very loyal to his subordinates and superiors. Highly disciplined in his personal affairs and approach to command. A man of unquestioned integrity and moral standards. A first-class officer.”

In 1961 he married Elizabeth Smith, a James Madison University student from Harrisonburg, VA whom he met while working in Saranac Lake, NY. Together, they built a beautiful life traveling the world and raising three children. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, their three children – John (wife Maryann), Karen, and Brenda (husband David), and seven grandchildren -Jonathan, Michael, Jacob, Madison, Maycen, Sarah and Ben who were the pride and joy of his life and with whom he loved to share his life stories.

He also leaves behind his brother, Paul, sister, Jean and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember his warmth and wisdom.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Medical Professionals and Caregivers at The Nottingham who provided exceptional care and support during his residence. Your kindness and compassion will be remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 24th at St. Charles- St. Ann's Church, 417 S Orchard Rd, beginning with the wake at 11am followed immediately by mass at noon and burial at Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/) or St. Charles St. Ann's Church, where they were active parishioners for more than 50 years, in memory of Robert E. Gale, to continue his legacy of giving and making a difference.

He will be deeply missed, but he will remain in our hearts. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and his spirit will be with us.

Rest in peace Dad. Your love, light, and legacy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know you.