Robert William Tellefsen

Born to Agnes and August Tellefsen in New City, his roots to Rockland ran deep. Bob’s life was filled with happy childhood memories of escapades on Dulmer’s and Kloka’s dairy farms. Along with his lifelong friend Eddie Newell, Bob fished local streams and hunted local woods. When his family moved to Spring Valley, he learned to shine shoes to raise money for his Saturday bus ride to the movie theater in Suffern.

He attended Spring Valley High School, where he wrestled and played football. Bob served his country with great pride during the Korean Conflict as a Marine, never leaving the spirit of the Corps behind. After his military service he returned to Spring Valley and married Carol Sweet. Bob was a Spring Valley Police Officer for a number of years before accepting an offer from Harold Driscoll to join his dealership. He met thousands of wonderful people throughout his career as a salesperson at Driscoll Chevrolet, which later became Jim Smith Chevrolet. He won many awards for his sales numbers, served as a representative for Jim Smith in the Rotary for several years and retired as the Truck Manager.

Carol and Bob moved to Pearl River in 1968, raising four kids in the small town. He provided his family with a life of fun and adventure, family vacations and family picnics. Good friends and neighbors were a big part of his life, most notably his dear friend Jim Morrison. Carol and Bob enjoyed their home in Ocean Grove- his gift to her - as well as other trips. Carol passed away unexpectedly in 1990. Following car racing, a passion ignited in his youth was his main interest. He and his friend Eddie attended races throughout the years. His other love was fishing and he wore his annual fishing trip attendance to the AuSable like a badge of honor. As the crew dwindled, their sons, his nephew, and grandsons filled in. It brought him great joy to be a part of that for over 50 years. Bob was fortunate enough to find his second (and last) love - Eleanor Peters Newell. They married and Bob gained another family. Cheryl, Bill Jr and Kenny as well as their children and grandchildren filled his life with even more happiness. Eleanor and Bob travelled, and had the pleasure of growing older together.

As his family,we can tell you that Bob was a man of integrity and character. He believed in always doing what was right but more importantly, that which was compassionate.He worked long and hard to provide a good life for his family.Most importantly, he instilled a love of life. He had a kind word for everyone and a smile to match it.

Bob is survived by his wife Eleanor, his daughter Laurie (Anthony), sons Edward and John (Lisa) and his grandchildren Nicole Cicalo Decaro (Laurence), Sara Cicalo (Javeria), Anthony Cicalo III (Katy) ,Vincent (Ashley) Cicalo, Daniel Couch- Tellefsen, Skylar Couch-Tellefsen, Bella, Sam, and Samantha Tellefsen. He had four great-grandchildren: Luca, Antonina and Nicolas DeCaro and Lucia Cicalo. His sister Margaret Chmielnik survives him as well. His son Andrew pre-deceased him as did his other sister, Barbara Ward. Bob had many nieces and nephews as well as a sister-in-law Eva who were special to him.

A visitation for Robert will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 S Main St, New City, New York 10956. A burial will occur Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 11:45 AM at Germonds Cemetery, 39 Germonds Rd., New City, NY 10956.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Tellefsen family.