“When the job is no longer fun and enjoyable, then it’s time to move onto something else that’s going to make your life worthwhile.”
~Robert June
June officially retired, from his post on Oct. 26, after 13 years as Cornwall-on-Hudson’s Water Department superintendent.
“I’ll have time to take care of myself and still do some of the things I enjoy doing,” said June, whose career in water and water treatment began as a teenager.
Career and education
While in high school, growing up in Walden, June worked for the Palisades Park Commission as a maintenance person at the Bear Mountain pool. Michael Hamburger, a village resident and former high school teacher, took the young man under his wing and trained June and sparked his interest in water treatment.
June went to college in New Paltz and took a specialized course in water and wastewater treatment. He spent 10 years working for the Village of Walden working in the sewer plant and the water department. During that time, he also obtained his water license.
He then obtained a job, in the Town of Montgomery, where he served as superintendent overseeing the installation of a sewage collection system while running their wastewater treatment plants, as well as water systems. June was also able to earn his wastewater license.
After two years, June went to work for IBM in East Fishkill as a utility plant operator. During his 20-year employment, June attended Erie County Community College and obtained his 1A license, the highest possible in the state. He also took a course in supervisory management.
Before being hired as water superintendant, in Cornwall-on-Hudson, in 2005, June spent two years with the Department of Defense, working at West Point as one of their water plant operators.
Battling cancer
In Sept. 2016, at the age of 60, June decided to go for his first colonoscopy, something he recommends not putting off. Although he had no symptoms, the exam showed a complete blockage of his colon. June had surgery to remove one-and-a-half feet of colon and then went through six months of chemotherapy. His oncologist declared him cancer free until the end of July.
A blood test, right before his annual visit with his oncologist, revealed elevated marker numbers. Further tests showed spots on his liver and lungs. A biopsy determined the colon cancer had returned, metastasizing in a different area.
“It took a little while for it to sink in, but I look at this from the perspective that this is a bump in the road for me. There are treatments available to me. They’re doing everything they can for me and I need to do everything I can to keep it moving in a positive direction. When the doctor told me, I wasn’t totally shocked by it. When you step back from it, it’s not the worst thing in the world that could happen to me. It’s not like I’m going to walk out in the middle of the street and get hit by a car. That’s a legitimate possibility. But I can deal with this. I deal with it in little bits and pieces.”
June is currently undergoing another round of chemotherapy which will shrink and contain the cancerous cells. He’ll be receiving treatment for the rest of his life.
June received the news shortly after he announced his intent to terminate his employment, but he’s not going to let it put a damper on his retirement years.
“When you talk of cancer, most people’s initial reaction is that there’s nothing more that can be done,” June said. “It’s not a death sentence. Many years ago, maybe it was, but with all the treatments and options out there, there’s all types of stuff being developed. It means I can take better care of myself. It sounds a little selfish, but I’ve always put other things ahead of my own welfare.”
In 1995, June lost his wife to cancer and he had to take on the responsibility of raising his two daughters, Jacqueline and Kristie, who were five- and nine-years-old, respectively, at the time.
Retirement life
Even in retirement, June will continue his career in public service.
In 1974, he followed in the footsteps of his father and a number of family friends and joined the Walden Fire Department. In 1980, he joined the Town of Montgomery Police Department. June no longer goes on patrol, but he does take care of the court system. He also oversees building security at Town Hall and attends board meetings. He attends special functions and participates in traffic details.
While June will have more time to spend with his daughters and two grandchildren, he said he wants to devote time to travel as well. He’s looking at some cruises, as well as trips out west, along with his frequent visits to Florida.
Beyond that, June said he hasn’t thought too far ahead.
“I have to be able to plan around treatment. Treatment comes first, then fill in the blanks.”
Saying goodbye
On Oct. 22, a farewell party was held, at Village Hall, in June’s honor.
He said he’ll miss dealing with members of the public the most, as well as the people he worked for and with. June said he’ll also miss arriving at work early and deciding what needs to be done based on manpower.
He definitely won’t miss the stress that comes with dealing with personnel issues, as well as problems with the water system.
