The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) department of athletics mourns the loss of former Director of Athletics and Athletics Hall of Fame member Robert F. Ducatte, who passed away on October 31 at the age of 85.
He served as the Athletic Director for 30 years, leading the growth to RPI's current 32 sports, while also coaching numerous programs, including baseball, football, and golf.
Complete Obituary (Published by Times Union on November 2, 2022):
Ducatte, Robert F. Sr. POESTENKILL Robert F. Ducatte Sr., 85, died on October 31, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Affectionately known as "Coach" and "Duke," Robert was born and raised in Plattsburgh, and was the son of the late Ross and Edith Ducatte, and brother of Ross (Mary) Ducatte and Joanne (Bob) Monty. He was predeceased by brother, Clifton (Velma) Ducatte. After two years of service in the U.S. Army, he enrolled in St. Lawrence University where he played football, and met his college sweetheart, Nancy Allen Ducatte, who became his devoted wife of 60 years. While at St. Lawrence, he earned his B.S. and M.S. in physical education and administration. Coach Ducatte came to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1967 where he started his physical education and coaching career. A few years later, he became the athletic director while continuing as baseball coach for over 10 years, compiling a 159-130 record. A promotion to the director of physical education and athletics spawned a 34-year career that saw R.P.I.'s NCAA intercollegiate teams grow from 12 sports to 23, including 11 new women's varsity programs. While serving on numerous ECAC Leadership Committees, he helped create the new league structure while also growing the R.P.I. footprint with the renovation of the Houston Field House, the Robison Pool and the Ned Harkness Track and Field stadium. A collaborator in the creation of the "Big Red Freakout" and the notorious horn giveaway (which led to an NCAA ban) he helped R.P.I. win, and that was paramount to the many moments he cherished at R.P.I., notwithstanding the student athletes he loved, his loyal staff he relied upon and the coaches he admired. He was known as a coach's coach. After retirement, he enjoyed house building for his family, traveling with Nance to visit extended family he cherished, trips to Maine, and golfing with his great friends, the "Rob's" at The Country Club of Troy. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Nancy, include his children, Merry Ducatte of Poestenkill, Patricia (Mike) Ballato of Poestenkill, Robert F. (Denise) Ducatte Jr. of Guilderland, and Jennifer (Frank) Pusatere of Poestenkill. Robert also treasured his 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; they include Carrie (Ken) Stager, Michael Ducatte, David (Amiya) Bornt, Nicholas and Joseph Ballato, Morgan (Tim) Vishneowski, Carter and Lily Ducatte and Adam, Benjamin and Sean Pusatere, as well as Aubrey, Willow, Harper, Braden, Kyler and Colton Duke. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Aram, the staff at DCI and Community Hospice, who offered compassionate care throughout Robert's journey. Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 276 Pawling Ave., Troy on Wednesday, November 9, from 4 - 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the RPI Chapel and Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Ave., Troy on Thursday, November 10, at 10 a.m. with Reverend Edward Kacerguis, officiating. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
