Obituary of Robert E. Laffin

Robert E. Laffin, Jr. Robert E. Laffin, Jr. a life long resident of Wappingers Falls, entered into rest Sunday, February 3, 2008 at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh. He was 73. Son of the late Robert E. Laffin, Sr. and Blanche Stevens Laffin, he was born August 8, 1934 in Beacon. He graduated from Wappingers Central School. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army, 511th Airborne. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He married the former Barbara Parker on January 19, 1955 in Clarksville, Tennessee. Barbara preceded her husband in death on August 2, 1983. Prior to his retirement, he was an Industrial Engineer at IBM. Bob was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church, Wappingers Falls. He enjoyed Atlantic City, Las Vegas, the sun and the beach, golfing and bowling. He was a member of the Elks Club and a former member of the Knights of Columbus and IBM golf and baseball leagues. Most importantly, his passion was his family. He is survived by his seven children, Ren� Ridge and her husband, Stephen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Timothy Laffin and his wife, Wanda of Hopewell Junction, Linda Manzo and her husband, Paul of Wappingers Falls, Lawrence Laffin and his wife, Shirley of Beacon, Rhonda Laffin and her life partner, Wendy VanVlack of Hopewell Junction, Keith Laffin and his partner, Edward Bakter and Deborah Swenson and her husband, Reed of Wappingers Falls; his dear friend, Jean Stairs of Hilton Head, South Carolina; his brother, John "Jack" Laffin and his wife, Joan of Poughkeepsie; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty and Gene VanTassell, Jack and Skip Parker, Sis and Len Bloomer, Anne and Earl Anderson and Tommy and Nancy Parker; his eleven grandchildren, Courtney, Shannon, RyAnne, Shea, Lisa, P.J., Michael, Timmy, Derek, Parker and Karen; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jennifer Rose. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 am on Thursday, February 7 at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls. Interment with military honors will be in the spring in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations on Bob's behalf may be made to St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send the family a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.