Contributions to the tribute of Robert W. Ingalls

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Bill Gazitano posted a condolence

Bob was always very friendly and pleasant to me. I got to know him through the Utica Road Runners club and he always made me feel welcome. I offer my codolences to his loved ones. God Bless.

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Katie Testa posted a condolence

I would just like to offer my deepest sympathy to your family. I would also like to tell you how Bob touched my life. My son died of SIDS in November of 2003. I had a vision to start a memorial walk in his honor and to create awareness about SIDS. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it actually exists. I could plan out this dream in my head but did not have a clue how to make it a reality. That's where Bob came in. My brother, an employee of the Oneida County Health Department, had suggested I contact Bob. I can remember him telling me that if anyone could guide me in the right direction, Bob could. I can remember nervously calling Bob and asking for his assistance. Even though this was over 4 years ago, I can still remember how gracious he was. Bob agreed to meet with my husband and I. I can remember how he laid all these logistical "challenges" I would need to think about. But what I remember most is that he gave me hope. I can remember he told me it was important to set a goal for the event. At the time, I thought it was a little silly. However, in retrospect, I can see the wisdom in his words. We all agreed that for a new event and for SIDS, a cause that is not very common, 50 walkers and $3,000 would be a triumph. With all of Bob's guidance, we pulled off The 1st Annual Michael John Testa Jr. SIDS Walk in August of 2004. Despite inclement weather, our event was a huge success. We had over 225 walkers and raised over $25,000. A couple years later Bob and I crossed paths again. My husband and I were invited to a Press Conference for the Back to Sleep Campaign. I was a guest speaker for this event. Our foundations name was on billboards and buses in Oneida County for all the money we donated to SIDS awareness. Bob was doing introductions at this event. I can remember telling everyone how this event brought everything full circle for me and how coincidental it was for Bob to be introducing me. My dream started and ended with him. He was very appreciative of my kind words. Although, I do not think he will ever know how he helped me in my healing process. The kindness he extended to a stranger leaves me in awe of him. I hope that your family finds peace in the memories of what a wonderful person Bob Ingalls was, even to strangers. I am truly sorry.

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Rosemary V posted a condolence

My sincere condolences to the Ingalls family and friends. Bob touched the lives of many and has left an imprint that will not be forgotten. Keep close to you all the wonderful memories and smile just like Bob always did.

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Bruce & Janet Puckey posted a condolence

So sorry to hear of Bob's death. We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Judy and Family. Sincerely, Bruce & Janet Puckey of Florida Former neighbors in Clinton.

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Tom Loughlin Jr posted a condolence

Vehicle trouble has prevented me from attending today. I am so disappointed at not being in attendance...but count me there in spirit with all of you.. I hope my admiration of Bob himself and his accomplishments is apparent and expressed as well as my poor powers of writing can accomplish: Patriot and businessman in the finest tradition of positive thinking and putting the other guy first, I was never able to get Bob in a photograph in which he was center-stage, or the center of people at the microphone. His self=sacrificing manner in the publicity realm made his efforts far more powerful and succssful. I did not notice this aspect of his modus operandi until I began to search out photos of him when I heard he had been taken ill. I found all of them to have Bob way off on the edge of the stage..yeilding the limelight to others whose time there might be fleeting and/ or never repeated. When he joined a group there, he was off on one side. Whenever I tried to get him in a shot with the figures "in the moment" it forced me to take an angle in which either he was in focus and the others out...or the main figures in focus, and Bob out. AHA ! It was their day in the sun...and he knew that by giving them that time and space and recognition without obfuscating it at all with himself in their light, the Boilermaker or party would be better served in the long run. Some of us will miss his smile and his cheer and his positive attitude, but we needn't lose his great teaching of letting the other guy get all the glory when it was their time..and always putting others first. If we lose THAT lesson, we will truly be the poorer. I, for one, will not. We are already blessed to have had him in our circle, and to have his circle be as wide in circumference (the earth) as it was. AS we who are influenced by folks from the great state of Tennessee like to quote one particular song dear to us.."the circle will be unbroken, by and bye Lord, by and by...." and until then let us keep the example as businessman, patriot and friend set by Bob Ingalls close to our hearts. Admiringly , from one sports event producer to another..and to all who were his kin and closest circle, Godspeed ! Thomas E Loughlin Jr. National Director Emeritus, DRAGBIKE! USA and AMA DRAGBIKE! National Championship Series/ Commander Knights Templar Utica Commandery #3 1999-2005 Chairman, Independence Party of Oneida County NY 1998-2002, Member St Mary of Mt Carmel-Blessed Sacrament Parish of Utica NY PS...attempting to send photo by email, too.

Robert W. Ingalls

1941 - 2008

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Robert Ingalls

1941 - 2008

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