Robert Willem Frederik Ciferri

Robert Willem Frederik Ciferri, who promoted generosity and kindness in every of his many endeavors, died January 28, 2023, in comfort and surrounded by close family, at the age of 67. Mr. Ciferri was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in November, 2022, and fought a strong but unsuccessful battle. During his time late in life, he continued spreading a lifelong mission of knowledge and spirituality to all of his friends and family, in order to leave a lasting and enduring legacy for all who knew him. Mr. Ciferri was predeceased by his daughter, Jacquelyn Grace Lauren Ciferri, in 2002; his mother, Dr. Anna Maas, in 2012 and by his uncle Lukas Maas, in 2023. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan E. Ciferri; his son, Peter E. Ciferri; his daughter-in-law, Catherine H. Caldwell; his stepdaughter, Monica M. Miller; and his grandson Mason S. Miller. Born on November 12, 1955, in Tampa, Florida, Mr. Ciferri was the son of the late Dr. Anna Maas, most recently of Wassenaar, Netherlands. Although born in the United States, Mr. Ciferri was culturally (and in all other things) a native of The Netherlands. He returned there at age 3, where he was raised. During his teenage years, he and his mother frequently traveled between Amsterdam and Bronx, New York, where he attended high school. In 1973, Mr. Ciferri, returned to the United States more permanently, to begin studying Philosophy at Albright College, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ciferri later continued his education at Penn State University in 1981-82, and culminated his formal education at Penn State-Berks in the early 2000s. Mr. Ciferri's education far exceeded any formal studies. He was known as a jack of all trades, but a master of most. He undertook a lifelong pursuit of enlightenment through the study of Buddhism, as well as many other Western and Eastern religions. His unending quest for knowledge led him to his involvement with Masonry, which he cherished. He was a self-trained mechanic, machinist, botanist, and computer technician; a consummate tinkerer, deeply intellectual thinker, and a 'fixer' of all things broken ' Tangible and spiritual. He never stopped studying and learning from those around him. He was a proud animal lover and owner, whose kindness to those extended to housing many pets, and caring for wild animals whenever they crossed his path. Mr. Ciferri was a very active Member of Chandler Masonic Lodge No. 227, West Reading, serving as Worshipful Master in 2002, also a York Rite Mason, serving as High Priest Reading Royal Arch Chapter No. 152, Member Creigh Council No. 16, Past Division No. 9 Commander, Past Commander Reading Commandery No.9, Member Lehigh Valley Joshua Association.' Mr. Ciferri's professional life began when he settled in Reading, Pennsylvania. He held a long and productive career in skilled labor, including at Dietrich's Milk Products, Brush Wellman, United States Postal'Service, and the Office of the Physical Plant for Penn State Berks Campus. He recently retired from full-time employment, but continued volunteering and working part time with the Reading Public Museum, where he dedicated many hours to beautifying the Museum grounds and parks. Mr. Ciferri was a longtime Teamster, a member of the Blue Marsh Sailing Assn. and a Meals on Wheels volunteer. He was driven by a sense of duty and often ended up in leadership roles. He will be remembered always as a fierce advocate for the under-represented. Mr. Ciferri had a great passion for nature and the outdoors. A few of his favorite pastimes were planting a vegetable garden each spring, skiing on fresh snow, sailing in any type of weather, and walking his dogs along the river with his grandson. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Masonic service conducted by Chandler Lodge No. 227 F&AM will be held at the Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 2:30 PM. His Celebration of Life service, officiated by Rev. Robert Witmyer, will be immediately following his masonic service. Visitation Saturday from 1:30 until start of his service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Reading Public Museum through purchasing a membership, volunteering or a monetary donation. It is a local treasure that is often overlooked. www.readingpublicmuseum.org www.kleefuneralhome.com