File photo of former Dresden Town Supervisor, Robert S. Banks, in the summer of 2013 being interviewed by YNN News as Lands End road reopens.
I am sorry to report that Robert S. Banks, 71, the former Town Supervisor of Dresden, passed away on November 30, 2019 unexpectedly after a long illness. Mr. Banks was the longest serving Town Supervisor in the history of Dresden.
Bob was born in the Bronx, New York, then moved to Hohokus, New Jersey where he was raised by his parents, the late Walter and Edna Banks. After spending his summers in Huletts Landing as a teen, he attended the University of Vermont and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving in the Navy, he decided to move to the area permanently. He remained active in the Naval reserves.
Bob was a member of the Whitehall American Legion Post 83, the Dresden Fire Company, the Whitehall BPO Elks 1491 and a friend to many.
He owned and operated the Paul Novelty vending company and the Blue Goose Tavern with his friends, Alan and Marilyn Bascue. He was a longtime Town of Dresden board member before being elected Dresden Town Supervisor. When he left office in 2014, he had served longer as Town Supervisor than anyone else in the history of Dresden.
A vocal defender of the Washington County beach and an advocate for private property rights, he was instrumental in the formation of both Huletts Landing Sewer Districts. He once said that his philosophy about public service was that he would always try to help anyone who asked him for help. He worked hard to make improvements at the town and county levels while also keeping taxes low.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Bruce. He is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Joyce, and his son Scott and his wife Casey and grandchild due in May.
Online condolences may be made at www.jillsonfuneralhome.com
“May God support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at the last.”