Robert B. Maye

Robert Brian Maye, age 71 of Kirkwood, NY, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease surrounded by the love of his family on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 23, 2023. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend, he was known to most as Bob or Bobby.
Robert Brian Maye was born on May 2, 1952, in Binghamton, NY to Jessie and Paul Maye. As a young child, he attended the Binghamton Boys Club where he met several lifelong friends. Under the mentorship of Aquatics Director, Al Began, he blossomed into an honorable young man earning Boy of the Year in 1968. He attended Binghamton Central High School where he was a standout swimmer earning numerous First Team All-Star selections and a Sectional Championship in 1970 in the 200-yard medley relay, qualifying him for the state meet. He went on to the NYSPHSAA State Championships and earned 6th place overall.
After high school, he attended Harper College (Binghamton University) and then transferred to SUNY Cortland where he earned a degree in Recreation. In 1977 he began his career at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center where he met the love of his life, Anisa and several close friends. A caring person, he devoted his life to helping people with mental disabilities first as a recreation therapist and then as a NYS advocate for Willow Brook clients. A fierce protector, he believed in standing up for those who could not stand up for themselves, making sure to always do the right thing the right way even when faced with challenging situations. 
In 1975 he started coaching with Southern Tier Swim Club (STSC) devoting 20 years to the development of youth swimmers and impacting countless lives along the way. He was brought out of retirement for a period of 5 years (2007-2012) to help his son, Justin with the program at Windsor Central Schools coaching the Modified Boys, Varsity Girls, and assisting again at STSC.
He loved making wine, working on projects around the house, going on picnics at Cole Park, vacationing at the beach, and spending time with family and friends making jokes while sipping on a glass of wine or Grand Marnier.  
He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Anisa Maye, children Justin and Danielle (Nick), sister Marlene, brothers Richard (Sherry) Maye, Doug (Carol) Maye, cherished grandchildren Berkley and Zayne, several nieces, nephews, and cousins and countless loyal friends he considered family. He is predeceased by parents Jessie and Paul Maye.
We want to thank the West Wing staff at Willow Point Nursing Home for the compassionate care they provided Bob during his final months with us. We will all miss his tremendous presence in our lives more than we can ever express. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 2 from 10am-12pm at Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, Inc. in Binghamton (137 Robinson Street) followed by a Celebration of Life at 12pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to CHOW or the Humane Society of Binghamton.

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