Robert Maxwell Hooper

SAUGERTIES…..Robert “Bob” Maxwell Hooper, 70, died peacefully at Health Alliance Hospital, Kingston, NY on May 19, 2023, with his loving wife, JoEllen (Donnelly) Hooper at his bedside.Bob was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1952, to Paul and Jane (Pandolfino) Hooper (both predeceased) and grew up with his brothers Dave (Lisa), Sarasota, FL, Rick (Susanne), Boston, MA, and his sister Judy (predeceased).

Bob graduated from Huntingdon HS class of ‘70 and attended Millersville University. A lifelong, serial entrepreneur, Bob started many successful businesses. Beginning with a remodeling business in Warwick NY, servicing many homeowners, until he decided being at a desk was more fun and created Hooper Insurance Agency with offices that started in Middletown, later moving his operations to New Paltz, Kingston and Lake Katrine.  Finding a need for residential and commercial real estate, he purchased and managed many properties.

Settling in Saugerties, he met the love of his life, JoEllen and at the same time expanded his passion for Peruvian Paso horses, a light saddle breed known for its smooth ride. His interest in promoting this lovely breed, took him around the US and Peru, where his joyful demeanor created a great circle of friends who would reconnect at shows throughout the USA and Canada.

In his late 30’s, Bob developed MS and found such relief in plant-based nutritional supplements, he became an ardent promoter of those products.  Selling all his other his businesses, Bob spent the rest of his life developing an extensive network of distributors for these products. When asked why, he just said, “That’s what Bob’s do”.  Always the affable sales professional and promoter, always eager to help. In partnership with JoEllen, they focused on global business development with business associates in 21countries.  Achieving multiple recognitions and awards from their exclusive supplier company, Mannatech, one of Bob’s cherished moments was his induction into the Millionaire Club, because it celebrated the thousands of lives he had impacted.  Bob lived a life full of joy, with a can-do attitude and he now is on to his next adventure.

Besides his wife and siblings, Bob is survived by his aunt, Shirley (Hooper) Snyder, his stepdaughter, Bryna Donnelly, her partner Max Russick and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss him.

JoEllen and his family are deeply grateful for Hospice of Ulster County and their incredible assistance over the past year. Their professional, kind care made Bob comfortable, peaceful and able to remain in his home as long as possible. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. of John & Lafayette Sts., Saugerties. At Bob’s request, there will be no public services.  A graveside service in his hometown, will be held at the convenience of the family.  Donations in Bob’s honor may be made to Ulster County Hospice or Rescue Rebuild of Greater Good Charities.  Expressions of condolence may be shared with Bob’s Family on his Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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