Obituary of Robert D. Kalaka

Robert D. Kalaka, 63, a lifetime area resident, entered into rest Friday, January 12, 2018 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. After courageously battling pancreatic cancer for seven months, he peacefully passed away with his loving family by his side. Son of the late Arthur and Sophie Cichinsky Kalaka, he was born February 23, 1954 in Poughkeepsie and was a graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School in 1971. Robert was a self-employed Licensed Land Surveyor. His incredible sense of humor will be missed by all. He was a member of the Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club and the former Dutchess Golf & Country Club. He loved fishing, hunting and playing golf. He was passionate about sports; playing on various organized teams throughout his life, teaching and watching his children play, as well as enjoying professional games. Some of his many achievements include induction into the Dutchess County Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame and the Dutchess County Hole in One Club. Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 36 years, Virginia Snell Kalaka of Poughkeepsie; his loving children, Kyle Kalaka and his wife Mia of Stamford, CT, and Emily Kalaka of Poughkeepsie; his siblings, Jo-Ann Kalaka-Adams (James) of Sea Bright, NJ, Arthur Kalaka of Long Branch, NJ, Michael Kalaka (Frances) of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, William Kalaka of Sea Bright, NJ, and Jacqueline Reeves (Gary) of Ansonia, CT; as well as several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of the medical staff at the Hudson Valley Cancer Center for their caring support over these past seven months. In celebration of his life, family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment will be at the privacy of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Robert's memorial page for the Jimmy V. Foundation for Cancer Research, (http://jimmyv.convio.net/site/TR/PersonalFundraising/General?px=1662481&pg=personal&fr_id=1391), 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513. To send a personal condolence or for directions, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.