Robert F. "Mack" Mac Kercher

Troy - Robert F. “Mack” Mac Kercher, 92, died Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Samaritan Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Troy, he was son of the late Harry P. Mac Kercher and Hazell Jones Mac Kercher. He was a lifelong resident of Troy and was a graduate of Troy Public School 5 and Troy High School.

Mack was a medic in the Army during the Korean War.  He was employed at Alleghany Ludlum Steel in Menands for many years and was a Union Iron Worker where he worked on the construction of Tamarac High School and the Empire State Plaza. He was also a janitor at Troy High School and School 16, from which he retired.

Mack played Fast Pitch Softball and SemiPro Football for the Uncle Sammies, umpired softball for many years in the Capital District, was an active member of the Brunswick Sportsman's Club and the AOH in South Troy, working in their kitchen until its closing. He loved gardening, animals of all kinds, camping, hunting, NASCAR, football, baseball, Jeopardy, history, a cold beer and was a voracious reader of science fiction, historical books, and mysteries. He was never without a biscuit in his pocket for his 4-legged buddies. Mack could fix anything and was a collector of everything.  He loved to teach you how to do things and, even though he was tough on the outside, he was kind and gentle in his ways. 

Survivors include two nieces, Suzanne M. (Timothy) Kane, Latham and Carolyn J. Larkin, Troy; a nephew,  Neal R.  Larkin, Moriah, all of whom Mack helped raise with his mother Hazell after the death of their mother Jane at the age of 37. Also survived by great nieces and nephews, Nicole J. (Christopher) Koopman, Shelburne, VT, Timothy M. (Kathryn) Kane II, Windsor, CO and Emily Larkin ; a great great niece - Juliet J. Koopman.  He is also survived his adopted family, Darlene and William Hansbury and their family, Spring Hills, FL and Stanley Zalinka and his family, Shamong, NJ.  He was predeceased by his sister, Jane H. Larkin.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Friday, October 13, 2023 from 4-7 PM.

Funeral service will be held Saturday at 10AM at the funeral home with Rev. Ken Scott, officiating.

Interment will be in  Oakwood Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Robert F. Mac Kercher to the Charity of one's choice.  We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.

S.T.A.T.W. forever!!! 

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