It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father US Navy Veteran Robert Runyon Diefendorf, Jr of West Pawlet, Vermont. He left us Sunday morning the 17th of November 2024 at the grand age of 94 in Granville, NY.

The eldest child of 4, Robert was born in September 1930 in Summit, NJ, attending Morristown-Beard School whilst also working his father's dairy farm. When the Korean War broke out, he served as a US Navy medic, helping deliver over 500 babies before the conflict's end.

Honorably discharged after Korea, he met his first wife, Adair Campbell, in a dance social while both attended the University of New Hampshire in 1953, marrying 2 years later and eventually raising 3 beautiful children Bobby, Diane & Bradley. After their untimely divorce, he met his 2nd wife Anita Grace at a German-American Club in West Haven, CT, and had one child Brian in 1971.

Moving around Vermont, Robert and his family eventually settled in the Poultney area in 1973. From there he lived a life on the road selling everything from chemicals and cleaning products to JCPENNYs and Sears to flowers and fine goods to companies all over New England, as well as serving the public as a Deputy Sheriff in Middlebury, VT under Sheriff James Coons.

A fine salesman, he loved life and meeting people, and had an extreme passion for big band and jazz music (as well as his favorite Frank Sinatra), and was an avid record collector. He later developed an appreciation for Elvis Presley & The Beatles, and, a lifelong drummer himself, actively encouraged his sons Bobby and Brian to pursue music. He always supported his favorite son's Brad's pursuit of knowledge and higher ideals, and was especially proud of his daughter Diane's impressive award winning theatrical and film work in Hollywood and beyond.

Robert was predeceased by his esteemed parents Robert R. Diefendorf, Sr of the NY Stock Exchange and Helen Hood of the Hood Dairy Company. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Anita, his sisters Carolyn, Gretchen, and Virginia, his children Robert III, Bradley, Brian & Diane, and countless grandchildren, nieces and nephews all over the world.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 7th at Poultney United Methodist Church in Poultney, VT at 10:00 am. All are welcome to attend and honor the life of 'Bob', a man of the people, a Korean War Veteran, and a hero and friend to us all.