David F. Biffen Sr.

On Sunday May31, 2015, David F.M. Biffen Sr., 90, departed from this life surrounded by family and friends, into the loving arms of Christ Jesus. He passed at his residence of Grace Park, Stroudsburg, PA where he had enjoyed living for the past several years.

He was born on October 11, 1924 in London, Great Britain to Frank M. Biffen and Edith (Moisey) Biffen. He shared a wonderful marriage to Harriet Joan (Reid) Biffen of 63 years.

Dave proudly served in the most dangerous branch of the military, the Merchant Marines, even though he had previously received a medical discharge from the United States Army. His service as a deck officer encompassed the wide world. He was in the North Atlantic Convoys, took part in the first days of the Omaha Beach, D-Day landings. He also served in the Persian Gulf, South America and in multiple active campaign theaters in the Pacific.

Upon discharge, he met and married the love of his life – Joan Reid. Together they raised five sons while remaining active in his church, The Pocono Evangelical Free Church and volunteering and serving in the Arbor Rescue Squad, Piscataway, NJ. He served multiple terms in the ARS serving as the President, Captain and later, Chaplin. He was also one of the first CPR instructors in New Jersey. He was always active in service or aide to others. After retiring from Union Carbide/Dow Chemical, he and Joan moved to Florida for job opportunities with AT&T, where they eventually retired. Twelve years later, they moved back north to be with their family, settling down in Stroudsburg at LaBar Village, continuing their active ministry within the Church.

After his wife’s death, he resided at Pocono Lutheran Village. Later, he transferred to Grace Park where he spent his final years enjoying his life, the staff, and fellow residents. He will be sorely missed.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Harriet Joan (Reid) Biffen and his sister Muriel Biffen.

He is survived by David F. Biffen Jr. and his wife Patty of West Chester,PA; their children: Matthew Biffen and Jessica Rineer; Dr. Donald R. Biffen and his wife Judith of Stroudsburg; their children: Stephanie Armstrong of Baltimore Maryland and three great-grandchildren, Dr. Andrew D. Biffen of Stroudsburg, and Sarah S. Biffen of Brooklyn, NY; Douglas J. Biffen and his wife Colleen of Elverson, Peter C. Biffen and his wife Ann of Delaware Water Gap; their children: Emily and Michael; Robert E. Biffen and his wife Helen of Bridgewater, NJ; their children: Dana and Kyle. Also surviving are step grandchildren Anthony, Ashley, and Austin who David loved, and treated as his own.

A celebration of his life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Pocono Evangelical Free Church, 486 North Rd, Tannersville, PA 18360. Interment will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lanterman and Allen Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Pocono Evangelical Free Church, 486 North Rd, Tannersville, PA 18360 (570-629-7878) or Touch the World Ministries, 1 Maple Street, Allendale, NJ 07401. (201-760-9923)