Robert Donald Cariffe passed away peacefully on January 23, 2019 at Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Beacon. “Bob” was born in Newburgh, NY on October 3, 1929 to the late Anthony J. Cariffe and Rose (Potente) Cariffe.
Bob attended Newburgh schools and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1947. Growing up across from Downing Park, he enjoyed speed skating and jumping park benches as a young boy. Following his graduation from Newburgh Free Academy, he married Marion (Bulson) Cariffe and was married to her for 23 years. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at St. Albans Naval Hospital in New York. He was trained as a medical technician (medic) and following his enlistment, was employed in pharmaceutical sales for McMonigle & Rogers Pharmaceuticals and later joined E.R. Squibb & Sons Pharmaceuticals in the same capacity. Following many years of pharmaceutical sales, he re-married Dori Tether and joined Prudential Insurance as a sales manager in Phoenix, Arizona. Following a near-fatal car accident in 1981, he retired and returned to Newburgh.
Bob was well-known locally as an avid golfer and won many championships as a member of Osiris Country Club and later the Powelton Club. He was also an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt throughout New York State and Pennsylvania. He was an expert fly fisherman and learned from notable fly-fishing legends on the Willowemoc and Beaverkill rivers in Roscoe and Livingston Manor.
Bob is survived by his loving sister Marilyn (Cariffe) Hearns of New Windsor. His loving brother Jerry pre-deceased him. Bob is also survived by his loving children: Christopher of Plantation, FL; Joseph of Danville, CA; Mary Ellen (Cariffe) Maul of Denver, CO and Craig of Phoenix, AZ. His son Robert J. pre-deceased him. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Shane Cariffe of Lake Placid, NY; Dr. Zachary Hillman of Flint, MI and Jack and Nickolas Cariffe, both of Danville, CA, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 27 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at Sacred Heart Church, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Bob’s honor may be sent to Castle Point Veteran’s Hospital, 41 Castle Point Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.Brooksfh.com or call 845-561-8300.