Obituary of Robert F. Neufang Sr.

Robert F. Neufang 91, a lifelong resident of Solvay, went home to the Lord on March 3, 2025. He was born in Syracuse, NY on October 31, 1933 to parents William and Josephine Neufang. Bob graduated from Solvay High School and received his teaching degree from Cortland State. He married the love of his life, Joan Hewes Neufang, and spent 67 years together raising 4 sons.

Bob was a gifted athlete excelling in several sports. As a gymnast at Cortland, he was invited to the 1956 Olympic trials and was awarded the MVP award for the gymnastics team his senior year. He was an outstanding fast pitch softball pitcher with several no hitters. Additionally, Bob was an exceptional bowler getting his elusive 300 game in 1991. 

Bob was extremely passionate about the outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting and spent many years traveling the country with his family and camping trailer. However, Bob’s favorite pastime was spending time at his beloved camp on Lake Bonaparte in Harrisville, NY. He was exceptionally proud of being a past master at the Masonic Lodge in Solvay where he was a member for more than 70 years.

Bob loved teaching and spent more than 32 years in the Syracuse City School District. Additionally, he spent 16 years at the Solvay School District retiring in 1991. For the next 29 years he sold various items at the regional market where he could see his former students and friends.   His family was always most important to him and he loved watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, band performances, recitals and plays.

His humor and gift of treating everyone with respect and kindness will be missed by anyone that had the good fortune of knowing him. 

Bob was predeceased by his wife, parents, 3 brothers and sister.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Jr. (Susan) of Fabius, New York; Dr. John of Ipswich, England; Kurt (Linda) of Dauphin Island, Alabama and Dr. Eric (Danielle) of Phoenix, Arizona. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dr. Nathan (Marianne); Benjamin (Dr. Lisa); Victoria; Robert III (Katherine) and greatgrandchildren Bryce and Evan. He is also survived by a brother, brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on July 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church 5108 West Genesee St Camillus, NY 13031 with a memorial service at 11:00 AM.  The family would like to thank the 4^th floor nursing staff at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital and the staff at Francis House for their care, compassion and kindness.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the NYS Masonic Brotherhood Fund or Francis House.