Obituary of Robert D. Roarabaugh

Robert D. Roarabaugh Robert D. Roarabaugh, aka "Bobby Reed", a longtime resident of Wappingers Falls, currently of Pleasant Valley, peacefully entered into rest Sunday, April 12, 2009 at Castle Point VAMC, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 70. The eldest child and only son of Bernice Beach Roarabaugh and the late Dale Roarabaugh, Bob was born on July 12, 1938 in Poughkeepsie. He married, although was predeceased by his first wife, Edna on March 4, 2002. On June 28, 2008 in Wappingers Falls, Bob married Martha A. McLeod; Mrs. Martha Roarabaugh survives at home in Pleasant Valley. Bob was a graduate of Wappingers Central High School, Class of 1956. He went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, serving Combat Duty in Beirut, Lebanon in 1958; he was later honorably discharged. After his service, Bob held many jobs. He worked for the Southern Dutchess News for 12 years. Bob went on, along with his late wife Edna, to own Reed's Grocery & Deli in Arlington for 20 years. Most recently, he worked as a teacher of Driver's Education for PAS Auto School for 16 years; he took pride in knowing he taught so many local students how to drive safely. Bob had many hobbies and interests. He was a lifetime member of the Poughkeepsie Elks Club, a member of the Shamrock Club, a member of the Mount Carmel Sportsman Association and a member of the Man to Man Support Group. He was also an avid golfer, having a true passion for the game. Bob belonged to several golf leagues and even had his first "hole in one" this past year. He enjoyed watching his favorite New York teams, the Mets and Giants, at local establishments with his friends. Bob also had a love of pets. Of all, Bob's most enjoyable times were when he would play Santa Claus for several local children's events. He was a wonderful father and friend to many; he will be greatly missed. In addition to his wife, Martha A. Roarabaugh of Pleasant Valley, and his mother, Bernice Roarabaugh of Six Mile Run, PA, he is survived by his son, Thomas R. Roarabaugh and his wife, Denise of Poughkeepsie; his daughter, Robin Evans and her husband, John of Hopewell Junction; his step-sons, John F. Sullivan and his wife, Dana of New Hope, AL, Edward D. Sullivan and his wife, Caroline of Pleasant Valley, Larry C. Sullivan of Sacramento, CA, and Scott P. Sullivan and his wife, Michelle of Santa Clara, CA; step-daughters, Cheryl Roy and her husband, Tim of Kailua, HI, and Seana Stover and her husband, Evan of Kingston; sisters, Judy Martin of Evans, GA, Jo Ellen Irwin of Woodstock, Rhonda Folk of Six Mile Run, PA, and Tina Chism of Saginaw, MI; uncles, Donald Beach of Baltimore, MD, and Lehman Roarabaugh of Queensbury; brother-in-law, Kenneth Stewart of Davie, FL; grandchildren, Ryan and Katelyn; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his son Michael, who passed on March 17, 1998. Family will receive their friends on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow, with military honors, in Wappingers Rural Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to the American Cancer Society, 2678 South Rd # 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.