Bob Congel, ‘Syracuse’s George Bailey,’ changed city for the better (Commentary)
Updated Feb 08, 2021;
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By Richard Pietrafesa | Special to Syracuse.com
Richard Pietrafesa, a lifelong resident of the city of Syracuse, is a former executive of Destiny USA.
When people ask me about Bob Congel, I often think of the 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In that film, a guardian angel shows the main character George Bailey how significantly he has touched the lives of others, and how different life would be for the community of Bedford Falls if George had not been born. But for George and his deeds, Bedford Falls would have turned into Pottersville, an unsavory town overtaken by crime, decay and poverty.
Robert Congel dead at 85; Pyramid’s founder built the Destiny USA mall in Syracuse
Updated Feb 05, 2021;
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Syracuse, N.Y. Pyramid Cos. founder Robert J. Congel, head of the shopping mall empire that includes Destiny USA, has died at age 85.
Congel’s son Stephen J. Congel, CEO of the company founded by his father, confirmed Thursday evening that the developer died on Wednesday at his home in Manlius.
“I can confirm the passing of my father, Robert J. Congel yesterday afternoon,” Stephen Congel said in a statement. “He passed away very peacefully at home with his wife and 5 children at his side. Those that knew him know he was a force of nature, a visionary who saw many of his dreams realized, while challenging us constantly with many more to fulfill.
A Central New York visionary who was instrumental in the construction of New York State s largest mall has died.
Robert J. Congel, the founder of Pyramid Management Group, which owns Destiny USA, died Wednesday afternoon in his home in Manlius, with his wife and five children by his side. Congel s son and PMG s current CEO, Stephen J. Congel, announced the news in a statement, writing that he and his family deeply appreciate the expression of sympathy from friends and family, colleagues, the community and business partners during this difficult time. Those that knew him know he was a force of nature, a visionary who saw many of his dreams realized, while challenging us constantly with many more to fulfill, Congel said, according to Spectrum Local News. He changed many lives. Having been his son and also having the privilege of working with him for so many years, I know he was most proud of all the people he employed and whose careers he helped along the way. He gained far more
The real Covid death toll at nursing homes, and the staggering heartache in NY (exclusive)
Updated Jan 28, 2021;
Posted Jan 28, 2021
Jeff Parker visits with his mother, Ginger, through a plastic hugging wall at Katherine Luther nursing home near Utica. Ginger Parker, who had terminal brain cancer, died this month after contracting Covid-19. The virus has killed thousands of nursing home residents across New York state, but the total number has never been reported.Provided photo
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Syracuse, N.Y. When 90-year-old Connie Cuddy died last week of Covid-19, an employee at the nursing home opened a window to let her soul go free. Cuddy’s daughter, Jody Courtemanche, cries with gratitude thinking about it.