Obituary of Robert A. Ziter

Robert A. Ziter, 75, of Troy died Friday, February 13, 2026 at Samaritan Hospital. 

Born in Troy, he was the son of the late Karem A. and Delores Zeno Ziter. He was raised in Wynantskill and educated in the Wynantskill School and LaSalle Institute, Class of 1968.  He then entered the United States Marine Corps from which he was honorably discharged.

Bob went to work at the Appleknocker Fish Fry, which his father had started and at which he worked through elementary and high schools, and eventually owned and operated until its closing. He then purchased the former Verni’s Diner on August 9, 1979, renaming it as “Bob’s Diner” a couple of years later, operating it until his son, Ryan, succeeded his father. Bob was always dedicated to his business and carried a strong work ethic for his entire life.

Bob was married to the former Sharon A. Ryan, who predeceased him in December of 2015.  Bob’s love and pride of his life was his children and grandchildren. He said, “They made it all worthwhile!”

He is survived by their four sons: Robbie (Nicole) Ziter, Eric (Lori) Ziter, Matt (Katie) Ziter all of Troy and Ryan Ziter of Watervliet; a brother, Cary (JoAnn) Ziter of Cold Springs; three sisters: Cathy (Bob) Soloyna of Wynantskill, Kim Ziter of Watervliet and Connie Ziter of Troy; five grandchildren: Cameron, Gianna, Nathan, Tyler and Avery Ziter all of Troy, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Dan Luziach.

Friends are invited and may call at the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (at the corner of 115^th Street in Lansingburgh) Troy, NY 12182 on Tuesday, February 24^th from 4 to 8 PM.

The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

The interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy

Funeral arrangements are under the supervision of Robert E. Miner, Associate Director.

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