Robert S Clisby

Robert S. Clisby, 61, of Plattsburgh NY passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at CVPH Medical Center after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Camden, NJ to Kilshaw and Catharine Clisby on April 9, 1958.

Bob graduated from Episcopal Academy 1978, and went on to play college hockey at Lake Forrest from 1978-1981, while earning a degree in Economics. Bob received Most Improved Player Award his freshman year, All-Time Letter Winner four years in a row, and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1978-1979 Lake Forrest Men’s Hockey Team. After college he played at the professional level in the ECHL for the Winston Salem Thunderbirds in NC, in the Central Hockey League for the Decauter Blue in IL, and for the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Team. Bob went on to work in the family business, Clisby and Associates as a Manufacturer’s Rep. During this time of his life he continued to volunteer his time and talent to youth hockey programs in the PA & NJ areas while playing for his Men’s Hockey League team “The Marley’s”. Bob was an avid sports fan and could often be found at Buffalo Wild Wings watching his beloved Philadelphia Flyers or Philadelphia Eagles.
Bob moved to Plattsburgh to manage The Lake City Stars Arena in 2000, maintaining his love and devotion to the world of hockey. He continued to coach and mentor young and old hockey players while creating friendships in and out of the hockey rink. Even a hip replacement didn’t keep him from lacing up his skates. After the sale of the rink Bob worked at various rinks around the country, including Lake Placid NY, Jay Peak VT, Cairns VT, Rothman Ice Rink PA, The Coliseum NJ and Daytona Arena FL. He loved every aspect of the hockey rink including driving the Zamboni. He was a true “Rink Rat”.
It was in Plattsburgh where he found the one thing that would surpass his love of Hockey. The birth of his son, Sebastien, in 2007 gave Bob a family of his own.
Left to cherish his memory, are his son, Sebastien Mitchell, Jessica Mitchell (friend and care-giver), his family in New Jersey, mother Catharine Clisby, Dianne Hillman (sister), Rick Clisby (brother), Elizabeth Nikolic (half-sister), nieces Debbie & Katie Hillman. Plattsburgh family, Savanna Briehl, Judy Mitchell, John Mitchell, Jami Mitchell, and Jay Mitchell. He was pre-deceased by his father Kilshaw Clisby.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the R3 team that provided amazing care in Bob’s last days.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 pm in the Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Hockey Fights Cancer https://www.nhl.com/community/hockey-fights-cancer/donate-us-row
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.