Robert Donfield, Sr.

Bob was a beloved and devoted husband to Ann (Boyle) Donfield for 63 years. He was a loving father to Ann Claire McNish (Billy), Maureen Nahill (John) and Kevin Donfield (Kelly). He was predeceased by his son Bobby Donfield and his brother Chris Donfield. He is also survived by Theresa Abel, Vincent Boyle and Jimmy Byrne. He was the proud ‘Poppy’ to 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Bob was born on November 9, 1934, in Cliffside Park, NJ to Helen (Bradley) Donfield and Christopher Donfield. His father died when he was five years old and he and his brother, Chris were raised by their mother with the help of their grandmother, Anna Donfield. He was a proud graduate of Holy Trinity High School in Hackensack, NJ and Manhattan College. He received an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Bob spent college summers working at the Warren Hotel in Spring Lake, NJ. He served his country in the US Army. He was a proud and ever-loyal employee of Ford Motor Company for 35 years. In fact, rarely were non-Ford vehicles allowed to park in his driveway!

Ann and Bob truly made the most of retirement. They enjoyed playing tennis and traveling, especially on cruises. Throughout their married life, they were always on the road, making sure they rarely missed a play, sports game, or other big event in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Bob ministered weekly at the Northern State Prison for 18 years, distributing religious material to inmates and praying with them. He also served on the Juvenile Conference Committee in Woodcliff Lake.

Bob was a devout Catholic throughout his life and was dedicated to praying the Rosary. A doting grandfather, Bob loved family beach vacations and card games with his children and grandchildren. Trips to the Jersey Shore and Wingaersheek Beach were filled with competitive bocce games, hearts tournaments, and spirited discussions about how long chicken should stay on the grill!

Bob had a quick wit and a unique brand of humor appreciated by all who knew him. He was a loyal friend and enjoyed monthly poker games with his buddies in New Jersey and Massachusetts for more than 50 years. The family referred to him as ‘The Commissioner’ for the zeal with which he ran friendly March Madness and football pools and made sure everyone observed his “house rules” when playing cards. For 60 years Bob captured every family event with his heavy video camera on his shoulder. His family is so grateful to have a huge collection of Donfield family memories.

We will celebrate Bob’s incredible life with visitation at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ Friday, February 16 from 5-7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Church, 69 Valley Road, Hillsdale, NJ on Saturday, February 17th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. John the Baptist Church.

https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/NJ48/1452