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Dr. Robert Craig Arffa
Dr. Robert Craig Arffa
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Robert Arffa Obituary
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Charlotte Burkholz
June 18, 2019
His goodness and dedication will remain in our hearts forever. A tremendous loss to society and those who loved him.
Austin Kokel
January 19, 2018
Where to begin? I first met Dr. Arffa when I was 15 years old. I'm 36 now. I was diagnosed with keratoconus in my right eye at age 14, and he performed my first cornea transplant in April of 1998. (Little did I know at that time he'd be performing the same procedure on my left eye a little over six years later). I firmly believe I would have gone blind without Dr. Arffa's skilled hands and vast knowledge. But more than that, his calm, gentle, and warm way of dealing with patients, especially a scared young kid like me, really helped me get through it all.
Even when he performed my second cornea transplant, the anesthesia had progressed to where I was now awake during the procedure. So, all I had during that procedure was simultaneous bright light and darkness in my field of vision, and Dr. Arffa's soothing voice calmly chatting with me about the music we were listening to during the surgery (the guitarist Jesse Cook, for the record).
I've spent countless visits with him, as he adjusted my stitches and showed great patience as I struggled with keeping my eyes open during that procedure, but we also connected over our love of Charleston, and how he and my family were all from Connecticut.
Every couple of years, I always thought how great it would be to reconnect with him on Facebook. I had that same thought today, and sadly, that is when I learned of his passing. I regret not reaching out when I could have. I haven't seen him in probably 12 years now, since I moved to Myrtle Beach, but I think of him very often, and fondly. And that will never change. He was a great man, and gave so much to so many, including helping me retain the gift of sight. I will miss him more than I can say.
Dwight Willaman
September 23, 2016
I was shocked to learn of Dr. Arffa's tragic accident. I was blessed to have him perform two pterygium surgeries on my eyes and they were both a success. I was coming to him for a second opinion on an upcoming vitrectomy surgery when I learned of the accident. My heartfelt condolences to the family. He will be greatly missed. He had a gentle spirit and I enjoyed my time with him. Grace and peace.
Maris and Norman Soutar
July 20, 2016
We were most deeply saddened by the terrible news of Bob's passing. Our heart felt condolences and much love to Sharon and his Children, to Shirley, to Bonnie, Tim and Natalie and to Allen and his family. He was truly a wonderful man xx
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Carol Schmidt
July 8, 2016
I just found out that Dr. Arffa is gone from us since I am not from Pittsburgh. I lost vision in one eye in an accident when I was a teenager, and in my fifties I found Dr. Arffa who restored what I had lost so many years ago. I wish I had been able to tell him what it was like for me to see a movie in 3D and really be able to see what 3D is. I never knew before. I have depth perception now. My world is no longer flat. How do you thank someone for that? It is a great gift. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. It is tragic too for all of his patients- he was going to operate on my son the week of his passing and now I don't know what to do, who to go to, or who to trust. He leaves a terrible hole. A tremendous loss of a gifted man.
Alicia Scott
June 30, 2016
I found out today about the untimely passing of Dr. Arffa. I was at my yearly eye exam and my doctor asked if I knew about it. I was shocked and disheartened to learn that this kind and brilliant gentleman was gone. My lasik procedure was in 2007, and had it not been for an initial visit to Dr. Arffa and his wonderful staff, I would not have gone through with the procedure. Every morning when I open my eyes, I am grateful that I did it. Dr. Arffa has restored a better quality of life for so many by restoring the gift of sight. I have always counted myself as extremely fortunate to have had him as my doctor. A huge loss for the professional community; a sad time for all who were touched by his beautiful spirit.
Sharon Wojnaroski
June 28, 2016
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Arffa's passing. In 2005 he performed a corneal wedge resection on my left eye which has improved my vision. This helped me to be able to wear scleral lenses since having corneal transplants. I will always remember what a kind and compassionate doctor he was. I will miss him. He was a good man. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Arffa and family. I will keep you in my prayers.
June 27, 2016
I was a patient of Dr. Arffa many years ago as he performed laser surgery on my eyes. He seemed like such a gentle soul and SO gifted at what he did. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Matthew 5:4
Duane Mason
June 24, 2016
Dr. Arffa performed a corneal transplant on my left eye in 1994 and I was seeing perfectly out of it the very next day. I had a corneal transplant on my right eye in 1979 by another doctor and had problems with it for months. My current eye doctor always says what a great job Dr.Arffa did.I will always be greatful to Dr. Arffa God bless Dr. Arffa and his family.
Norman Rose
June 22, 2016
Dr. Arffa did both of my corneal transplants 2 years apart and I owe my sight to him. What a great man. 12 years later I still get complments from eye doctors on how beautiful the stiching is on my transplants and I tell them who did them. Thanks you will never be forgotten.
Arvella Updegraff
June 22, 2016
Dr Arffa was a blessing to many, I was one of those many when he operated on my eyes with corneal transplants in 1994. To the Arffa family my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you his Peace and Blessing.
TIM & JULIE RUSSELL
June 22, 2016
MY HUSBAND WAS ALSO A CORNEA PATIENT OF DR. ARFFA. HE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL SURGEON. WE WERE SO FORTUNATE TO OF MET HIM. I REMEMBER AFTER MY HUSBAND'S SECOND CORNEAL TRANSPLANT I GAVE DR ARFFA A BIG HUG. I'LL NEVER FORGET THE LOOK ON HIS FACE, WE WERE SO GRATEFUL TO HIM. I ALWAYS ENJOYED HIS WIFE'S ART GALLERY AT THE OFFICE.IT WAS ALWAYS EXCITING TO SEE THE NEW WORK EACH VISIT.
HE WAS VERY PROUD TO DISPLAY HER WORK. JUST TO KNOW HIM WAS A BLESSING IN OUR LIVES. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE STAFF AT HIS OFFICE AND TO HIS FAMILY. WE WILL TRULY MISS HIM.
Kylie MacDougall
June 22, 2016
Arpino sends our sincere condolences. You will be missed
James Sutherland
June 22, 2016
During the past eleven years, Dr. Arffa has successfully restored our family's vision through four cornea transplants and four cataract surgeries. We are offering prayers for the Arffa family and Cindy, Kim, and Eve at the office. He was dedicated till his last moments to helping people have sight. We were blessed to have known him.
Angela Zimmerman
June 21, 2016
My Sympathy to you. On June 1st 2016 My Daughter Stephanie had P R K surgery by Dr Arffa. He fixed MY Angel's eyes, now let THE Angels be his. Gods Speed !
June 21, 2016
We still fondly remember Bob from our years
of living in Carleton Manor. He was a
delightful neighbor and a fine gentleman
and family man. Sincere sympathy to all of you.
Bob and Lee Ferrero
Nancy Leone
June 21, 2016
I just learned of the untimely passing of Dr. Arffa. Although I am sad that his passing will impact his many patients, I am deeply saddened by the sudden void for his staff and family. May time and wonderful memories help to sustain you moving forward.
Dr. Arffa performed surgery on my eye a couple of years ago. He was among the most professional and compassionate people I have ever met. Rest in peace!
Pamela Fox
June 21, 2016
Dr. Arffa was a brilliant surgeon, giving me back my sight and relieving the pain of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy. He was a kind and gentle physician and man; very concerned about his patients and their well being. I always looked forward to my appointments and always brought baked goods for him and the staff, all of whom were very good to me. I cried when he told me he no longer needed to see me. I had been his patient for so many years, it was like saying goodbye to an old friend. And so, goodbye, my friend, you are very special to so many people.
June 21, 2016
I was shocked and saddened to read of Dr. Arffa's death. Not only was he an excellent surgeon, but he was a true renaissance and gentleman. Sincere condolences, Janet Summers,O.D. San Antonio, TX.
Keenie Harrison
June 21, 2016
I knew Dr. Arffa from working in his billing company. I spoke with him and Cindy may times. My sincere condolences to the family and office staff. Keenie Harrison PBS Group Hermitage, PA
Jane Caldwell
June 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to Dr. Arffa's Family and Friends. There are no words to express the profound feeling of loss this sudden tragedy has caused for you and the many, many patients he has truly touched with the Gift of his life. Dr. Arffa was a remarkable Surgeon who left his imprint on many lives, including mine over 11 years ago. May you find Perfect Peace in the Almighty God during this difficult time.
Jeffrey Robin
June 20, 2016
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the news of Bob's passing. Bob and I were Cornea fellows together many eons ago at LSU in New Orleans. Although our paths led to separate parts of the country, we would see each other at ophthalmology meetings from time to time. As he was in New Orleans, Bob was always kind and truly interested in others. This is in addition to his well documented medical expertise that touched the lives of thousands of people. He will be missed greatly. Sincere condolences to his family.
Rajiv Bindlish
June 20, 2016
Dear Sharon, Rachel, Lauren and Matthew. My deepest condolences to you on Bob's sudden passing. He was truly a fine doctor, mentor, father and husband. The world has lost a great person. I will miss him dearly.
Melinda Shuey
June 20, 2016
I worked for Hartman Ophthalmic when Dr Arffa would come to Greensburg to see patients. I thought he was such a nice man & was so shocked to read of his accident & death. So sad for all of you.
Melinda Shuey
Margaret Morris
June 20, 2016
Dr. Arffa restored my vision with two corneal transplants. The second surgery was a combination transplant and cataract removal. He told me it would be one of the first he'd done and asked me, with a smile, if I wanted to be his guinea pig. I didn't even have to think about it; I said yes, I trust you.
This man radiated kindness, patience, intelligence, knowledge, and skill. The nurses at the outpatient surgery center spoke admiringly of him; one said, "I just love him!" I soon understood why. I have loved him, myself. I am grieving with you.
June 20, 2016
A dear man, humanitarian, and fine human being, a tragic loss. The Burkholz Family
Dawn Herzig
June 20, 2016
What a loss... I was lucky enough to study under Dr Arffa as an ophthalmology resident at allegheny General hospital, he was patient and kind and will be missed!
Beth Kearney
June 20, 2016
My sincere sympathy to the Arffa Family for the tragic loss of a wonderful person and Doctor. I had the pleasure to worked for Dr. Arffa in the late 1980s early 1990s at (HCO) Eye and Ear Institute. He was so kind, always so pleasant to talk to. He had a great personality.
Jeff Burkholz
June 20, 2016
Aunt Shirley and family, Our hearts go out to you at this time. It is so difficult to lose a loving son, husband, father... Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely,Jeff and Angela Burkholz
June 20, 2016
My sincere sympathy to your family for the tragic loss of one of the truly most "Genuine" people I have ever met. I will always have wonderful thoughts of his great wisdom and friendship.
Nancy Worst, Kennedy Twp.Pa
June 20, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family. Dr Arffa was a wonderful person that I had the pleasure of working with. Gail
June 19, 2016
With deepest sympathy to the Arffa family. Dr. Arffa performed PRK surgery on me 4 years ago. He did a wonderful job. To this day I am still able to see 20/20. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Taschner
June 19, 2016
TO THE ARFFA FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE TRAGIC LOSS OF DOC. HE PERFORMED MY CORNEA TRANSPLANT IN 1987. SO I KNOW HOW GREAT AND WONDERFUL HE WAS. CAROL(DOUGHERTY)LOVELY MCKEES ROCKS,PA
June 19, 2016
TO THE ARFFA FAMILY, MY DEEP,DEEP SYMPATHY FOR THE TRAGIC LOSS OF"DOC" HE PERFORMED MY CORNEA TRANPLANT IN 1987 AT EYE & EAR HOSPITAL, OAKLAND,PA. R.I.P. "DOC" CAROL(DOUGHERTY)LOVELY
Sandy Trockman
June 19, 2016
To Mother Shirley, and all of the family:
My thoughts and love are with you at this tragic time.
Sandy Trockman
Nancy Kress
June 19, 2016
I am so sadden of the passing of Dr. Arffa, with out such a wonder person, and doctor I would not be able to see today.....I am very thankful for what he has done for me and ver sadden to lose such a great person........He will be missed....Thank you Dr. Arffa and may you rest in peace....
Nancy Kress
Ross Hoteck
June 19, 2016
Doctor Arffa saved my vision for which I will be eternally grateful. He was a warm and caring man. My thoughts and prayer are with his family. So sorry for your loss.
Kathleen Wolf
June 19, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Dr Arffa. He was the surgeon for cornea transplants on both of my eyes. He was a great surgeon and a wonderful man. Because of him I am able to see and enjoy life. I will always be grateful and never forget him.
Matthew Natale
June 19, 2016
My prayers are with Dr. Arffa's family.
I am a thankful patient who had lasic surgery done by Dr. Arffa a few years ago.
He helped me greatly.
Howard Tanning
June 19, 2016
Dr and Mrs Howard Tanning express our sympathy in your loss. Dr Arffa was an excellent clinician and helpful to me in my many years in my ophthalmology practice. His was generous answering questions I had concerning corneal issues at any time.
Spencer Burkholz
June 19, 2016
The Burkholz family in San Diego California sends their condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Spence Pam and Gabi Burkholz.
John Welsh
June 19, 2016
Sorry to hear of Dr.Arffa's passing, he did my cataract surgery and had a great bedside manner.
Candace August
June 19, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Arffa family! Dr. Arffa was truly wonderful doctor, teacher, and friend! Thank you Dr. Arffa for all you had done for me! Your memory will forever be in my heart.
Denise Thomas Wilcox
June 18, 2016
Dear Sharon and Family, I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We were new to the Eye and Ear Institute when Bob came . He was always so kind and caring, a wonderful surgeon and friend. Please know that Dave and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. Denise
John Rogers
June 18, 2016
Dr. Arfa was one of the finest doctors I have know. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family and friends. John Rogers
My friend who opened my eyes to a kinder world.
Bernadette Bigley
June 18, 2016
Ted Loebenberg
June 18, 2016
To the Arffa Family, My heart goes out to all of you. I share with you a poem that was shared with me at a time of loss.
DEATH IS NOTHING
Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way, which you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, and pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is an absolute unbroken continuity. What is Death but a negligent accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well
June 18, 2016
What a friend and class act. Your kind eyes and gentle smile will be with me always. Sharon and children - such happiness you brought in creating the remarkable life he so enjoyed and cherished. Cindy- no one as loyal and dedicated - love you all. Bernadette
Francee Dellaria
June 18, 2016
I am devastated by the news. He operated on both of my eyes and did an additional procedure last July. What a wonderful man I found him to be. My condolences to the entire family for your tremendous loss. May he rest in peace and may peace be with you...
Francee Dellaria
Thad Gefert
June 18, 2016
Sad news indeed. I have perfect vision at age 64 because of his skills. Although the family and his colleagues already know just how special a human being he was, I am writing this to just say "thanks". He will be missed by all.
Janet and Jack Mostow
June 18, 2016
We are so sad to hear this news. Jack has fond memories of Bob going back to Woodbridge, CT. Bob was a wonderful person, with so many talents. We will miss him.
Ingrid Both-Hoesl
June 18, 2016
I was a patient of Dr. Arffa 3 years ago. He changed my life by doing lasix surgery on my eyes. I remember him as a very kind and talented doctor. I was shocked to hear the news.. My condolences to his family and staff. I'm sure he will be greatly missed.
Rae and Jerry Solomon
June 18, 2016
Dear Arfa family:
We remember and cared for Bob as a good neighbor, as a caring friend and most of all as a loving and caring family man
Christine (Rendulich) Honan
June 18, 2016
Dr. Arffa saved my vision was I was only 18. He was the very first doctor I encountered in my complex medical situation who was nice to me. Dr. Arffa saved...my life. I am 48 & see - my love is gardening - I see gardens because of Dr. Arffa. His impact is profound. My Mom just told me to stop crying because Dr. Arffa would not want to cause my eyes to swell or me to rub them. He would. What a tremendous Doctor - human being. I am so, so sorry.
Jon Tucker MD
June 18, 2016
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Bob was a friend, colleague, co-worker, consultant, my patient, my doctor, and my enophile reference weekly. His approach to everything was calm and balanced. We are all diminished by his passing. I hope that your family finds solace knowing that many of us remember Bob daily just by looking at the world with clear vision and are perpetually thankful to have known him and benefited from his expertise.
Ramu Gounder
June 18, 2016
Bob Arffa was a well respected colleague. He will be missed in the western pennsylvania eye care community.
June 18, 2016
I am just one of the many patients grieving the loss of a wonderful doctor. My prayers are with the Arrfa family. Ruthe Fleming
June 18, 2016
Bob was a terrific person who was a delight to know. He was so personable, talented, smart, and modest. He will be missed much. Anne Toland
Mark McCall
June 18, 2016
To The Arffa family,
Doctor Arffa was a wonderful doctor and friend. He will be missed.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Benson
June 18, 2016
Please accept my condolence. I am writing this because good eye physicians are hard to come by. Even though my doctor is not license to perform surgery he has a great personality. Thank you for loving your field.
James Leddon
June 18, 2016
From a very grateful patient, who is thankful he found Dr Arffa when he needed him the most; my sincere condolences to the entire Arffa family.
Karen Brown
June 17, 2016
I will always carry the fondest memories of our 20 years working together in the CORE Eye Bank. Dr. Arffa was very respected and loved by all. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Sharon and family.
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