Robert Triff

TRIFF, Dr. Robert

Dr. Robert "Bob" Triff of Atlanta, GA, age 94, passed away on January 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on June 15, 1931, in New York, NY.

Bob spent his early childhood moving around the country while his father undertook defense work building ships during WWII. At the age of 13, Bob moved with his family to Atlanta, where he resided for the remainder of his life. Bob attended O'Keefe Junior High School and Grady High School. After service in the USAF during the Korean War, Bob matriculated to Emory University, followed by Emory School of Dentistry, where he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Bob practiced dentistry for 46 years. Held in exceptionally high regard by his peers and patients, he took pride in his work, exemplifying the utmost professional standards. For 28 years, he volunteered two days per month at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic in Atlanta, where he provided compassionate treatment to indigent individuals completely free of charge.

Everyone who knew Bob knew his big heart and giving nature. They also knew his love of sports, as he was a lifelong fan of all Atlanta franchises, especially the Braves. Their World Series victory in 2021 was, after a 26-year dry spell, a high point of Bob's steadfast fandom. Throughout his life, Bob had a passion for golf that he pursued weekly at the Standard Club. He had a knack for shooting holes-in-one, racking up an impressive eleven of them over the decades! Bob also served his community as board President for both the Atlanta Lodge of B'nai B'rith and the Atlanta chapter of the Alpha Omega dental fraternity.

Upon retirement at the age of 74, Bob continued playing golf and increased his travels, especially enjoying cruising. He took up painting, displaying considerable talent for both still life and portraiture. Other artistic pursuits included jewelry making and sculpture. He also learned to play contract bridge in his later years, much to the joy and consternation of his wife, Edrea, whose patience with him was legendary.

Bob is survived by his cherished wife of almost 64 years, Edrea Kessler Triff, who was his soulmate and the love of his life; his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Geoffrey Day, of East Machias, ME; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Debbie Triff, of Leafield, England; his son and daughter-in-law, Deron Triff and June Cohen, of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Charlotte Kugler, Henry Triff, Alice Triff, Madeleine Zupanc, and Max Triff; a great-grandchild, Oliver Zupanc; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lew and Dora Triff; as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Helene and Arthur Reisman.

A funeral service for Bob will be held at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, followed by a shiva at Corso-Atlanta, 3200 Howell Mill Road. The date will be announced shortly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Temple Sinai or another charity of one's choosing. Bob will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the many others his life touched.