Robert Neff

Robert and I taught Physics together, for 25 years, at Suffern High School. He was in room 247 and I was in room 248. I was living in Pennsylvania at the time of his death. I was travelling to my home in NY to visit him on Sunday, but he passed on Saturday. To this day I am upset about not getting to say goodbye.

Bob was a wonderful colleague and an inspiring intellectual at Suffern High School. He enjoyed giving physics presentations at various science teacher conferences. He and his wife kindly invited me to their house when I was a young teacher at the high school. I recall them discussing Hungary since Zsuzsanna was from there, and they both gave me a desire to research a country which I knew virtually nothing about at the time. I was privileged that their daughter Mandy was my student and...

Mr. Neff was my favorite SHS teacher. He was (exactly as my classmate, Kathy Kriese, said) an inspirational teacher. He went above and beyond to make high school fun for me, whether it was in "Academic League", in science-fair projects, or in simple everyday interactions. He remains a model for me as a teacher. I am very fortunate to have encountered him.

Robert was my classmate at Waynesfield School for 12 years. Enjoyed his wonderful friendship and always looked forward to seeing him when he returned to Waynesfield, Ohio for class reunions. He will be greatly missed .

I took two years of physics and a year of "gifted & talented" with Mr. Neff in the early 90s. I will always remember his enthusiasm for teaching and for environmental issues, and the energy he exuded up at the blackboard as he entreated us to think! Physics was fun because of him. Condolences to his family and friends.

I am terribly saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I served with him for many years on the Rockland County Environmental Management Council where he was a dedicated member, always contributing to our work with great insight and knowledge.

He will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Neff family. May God grant them peace and comfort as they navigate this sorrowful season in their lives.

Natalie Patasaw, Chair
RC Environmental Management Council

Mr. Neff was an inspirational teacher. I appreciated the way he made an abstract subject easier to learn through experiments and stimulating lecture.

My thoughts are with friends and family at this difficult time.

Mr. Neff was a wonderful teacher and a great neighbor of mine growing up in Suffern. He knew how to imbue a great wonder and interest in the physical world. I will always remember him with much respect and affection.