Dr. Robert James Foody, Esq., age 75, of Ballston Lake, New York, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving fiancée, Diana Wells, family members, and devoted caregivers. He was born on August 29, 1950, in Elmira, New York, and was the beloved son of the late Dorothy (Godman) and James W. Foody.

Robert's legacy is multifold but he will be remembered most profoundly for his deep love of family, exemplary legal career, and inimitable sense of humor coupled with his bon vivant approach to life (writ large in his love of music, photography, film, and sports). Even in his final days, courageously battling terminal cancer, Robert found levity in the darkest moments and light where others only saw shadows. Robert took great pleasure in making people laugh and lifting up those around him with his joyful and fun-loving personality.

He highly valued education, attending Niagara University, where he earned Dean's List honors and was a recipient of the Regents Scholarship, and later graduating cum laude from SUNY Albany, with Dean's List recognition. Robert earned his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School, where he excelled both academically and in positions of leadership.

After a brief foray in private legal practice, Robert found his calling in public service, first as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York, where he protected the rights and interests of all our citizens, and then as Assistant Counsel litigating for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (now OPWDD). The latter especially required keen legal acumen, rigorous work ethic and an unwavering commitment to protecting developmentally disabled individuals. While profoundly stressful and demanding, the position highlighted Robert's boundless compassion and empathy for one of the most vulnerable and oft-neglected segments of our society.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Robert cherished his family above all else. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and James Foody, whose values of kindness, humility, and perseverance he carried forward throughout his life and instilled in his own children. James passed away tragically when Robert was just a young boy and he was immensely proud of the sacrifice, determination and devotion with which Dorothy approached raising three children as a single mother.

He is survived by his loving fiancée, Diana Wells; his son, James Foody and his wife, Meghan; his daughter, Michelle (Foody) Fuerstman and her husband, Mike; his sisters, Terry Foody and Mary Ellen O'Leary and her husband, John; his four cherished grandchildren, Keira, Jackson, Savannah and Clara; and his niece Katie, and nephews Jim and Brian.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park, New York 12065 followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm. Interment will immediately follow at Albany Rural Cemetery, 68 Cemetery Avenue, Albany, New York 12204.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to those who helped Robert live his final days in the comfort of his home, including family friend Mary Alread and caregivers Valerie Malcolm and Suzette Shorter. Your kindness, devotion, and support will never be forgotten.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Robert, please consider giving to Captain Community Human Services either by mail at CAPTAIN CHS, 543 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY 12302, or online at https://captaincares.org/

To leave a message for Robert's family, or to share a memory of him, please visit us online at catricalafuneralhome.com