Robert F. Neff

About

Suffern High School Kenyon College

Robert Neff Obituary

Neff, Robert F.

Robert F. Neff passed away on Sept. 29, 2012 at age 75. Born in Lima, Ohio, he was a longtime Rockland County resident. He was a graduate of Waynesfield High School, Kenyon College (BA) and Cornell University (MA, Science Teaching). He was a physics textbook author and award-winning teacher to generations of students at Suffern High School, retiring in 1997. An avid hiker, biker and environmentalist, he made his way through Harriman State Park, Ireland and France on a bicycle. He was president of the Environmental Management Council and served on the board of the Torne Valley Preservation Association. He served as secretary of the Trustees of Suffern Free Library and was a lifetime member of the Waynesfield, OH Masons Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Zsuzsanna; daughter, Mandy; his beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Alexander and James; and sister, Jane Ricci.

A memorial service will be held at Suffern Free Library on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 2pm. Internment will be private. In memory donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy, P.O. Box 6014, Albert Lea, MN 56007, to account #105113.

Scarr Funeral Home, Inc.

Rt. 202, Suffern, N.Y.

845-357-1137

www.scarrfuneralhome.net

"Suffern's Only Family Owned Funeral Home"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on Oct. 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Neff

9 Entries

Howard Tokosh

July 26, 2018

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 Wilson

May 26, 2018

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 another intellectual (like both her parents) who followed her father's path to Kenyon College.

I meant to contact Zsuzsanna and Mandy about Bob shortly after I learned of his passing. Now nearly six years later, I hope some day they both read my tribute to a warm, funny, and smart colleague.

Marc Lange

October 18, 2012

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.

Miriam Copeland Reese

October 13, 2012

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 .

Linda Pistolesi

October 8, 2012

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.

October 7, 2012

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

Kathy Kriese

October 5, 2012

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.

Roberta Schwartz

October 3, 2012

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.

October 3, 2012

Mr. Neff was my physics teacher at Suffern High many years ago. I just remember that he made physics fun!
Many prayers to his family.

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