My deep condolences to the family of Bobby Veltidi, a great coach, great dad and a good man. I was sad to find out about his death just on Friday, 1/14/22. I remember meeting Bobby Veltidi for the first time during the double sessions football practice in the summer of August, 1992, I just thought to myself” Who is this imposing, moose of a man behind those sunglasses, waring  this baseball cap?” Him as my coach I learned a great deal of discipline that I hold today in my career. I will miss him.

Dear Mrs veltidi and family, 

You both were part of my young years.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from both of you.

May you all find comfort in the joys, love, laughter and tears shared with Mr veltidi. 

From a young child's view, he was bigger than life.

RIP

Bev condon Simon
Shs class of 1980
Tuxedo Park NY 

After Bob’s son Doug successfully competed on the SHS speech team in 1997, I got to know Bob. I was touched when he asked me to help him proofread the book he would publish about fishing and life. 

My deepest condolences for Judy, Sarah, and Doug.

He was a teacher of life. I’ll always remember him from my childhood.  Rest easy good mentor and strength to your family and friends . Cypress Road Elementary.

Bob Veltidi was always larger than life. He will surely be missed by all he touched with his presence.
Judy, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. 

I have such fond memories of Mr. Veltidi.  His larger than life personality and his support for all student athletes, will always be a positive reminder of how to make a difference in young athletes lives. I am forever grateful for his support to all student athletes and especially, girls sports. I will always cherish the AWESOME Suffern HS memories. Mrs. Veltidi, I still remember the beautiful baby blanket you made for Quentin, 25 years ago. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. 

He was always “Robbie” to me.  First, as the chubby 4th grader who was a good baseball player, and later, as the formidable lineman of our Nanuet High School football team.  We were teammates for two football seasons.  I remember blocking him during a practice scrimmage once.  Once!  Once out of dozens of times when I tried but couldn’t.  He was a force, and a friend.  He was known as Big Bob to many, but he’ll always be “Robbie” to me.


 Bob was a big man with a bigger heart that  he shared with me.  We first met  in Nanuet little league. We were teammates and classmates  at Nanuet high. After college we had great times playing cards, eating baked clams and drinking Chianti in his folks basement apartment with Judy and my wife Geri.  His incredible German Shepard Saber ever watchful and good at closing doors or fetching the paper, when not getting a tomato soup bath to de-skunk him. He and Judy were in our wedding party. Even though we moved to L.A. in 1973 we remained close with them. They visited us a number of times when traveling to the west coast. He stayed with us during the 1984 Olympics when he came for the wrestling competition. And they hosted me when I came back for reunions.  Our prayers go out to Judy, Doug, Sally and the grandchildren as well as Alan and Tommy and extended family.  

Coming and playing cards at the Gwl senior center and won every ones money. So sorry  for your loss. The Joyce family

As I walked around the neighborhood with Mandi, I'd often run into Bob and Judy. Sometimes they were out in their front yard playing with the grandkids, taking a walk, or just out to get the mail.  A friendly chat always encured.   I will miss him.  Loving thoughts and prayers for Judy, Sally and Doug. 
Love ,  Maria-Ann Grillone 

Jackie and I and our 4 sons were blessed to know Bob as a Wrestling & football coach and a friend.   Bob was a pillar of the Suffern  community.   From the annual George Fuge Wrestling tourney,  pee wee wrestling to the Touchdown club, Bob was an inspiring coach and person which we deeply appreciated.    He will be greatly missed.  
Sincerely,
Walt & Jackie Pickett

Dear Veltidi family - my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies for your loss.

I had the privilege of not only playing for Coach Veltidi, but spending a lot of time with him as he was the father of one of my closest childhood friends.

Those experiences positively impacted my childhood and helped influence the values I hold today.

Not everybody got to know or play for Coach Veltidi, but those of us who did, we were the lucky ones.

R.I.P. Coach - your legacy will live on in perpetuity.

There are 3 instances in my life that I consider the most embarrassing. Two, I will not mention but the 
earliest involved Big Bob. At Cypress Hill/Connor Elementary School we had a gymnastics show. I couldn't have been more than 10. Long story short, I literally cartwheeled and somersaulted around the mat to a WHAM song that seemed to last at least 15 minutes. When it was over and I was covering my eyes, hiding in a corner, he never sad it was bad. He never compared me to the other (better) kids. He never laughed at me. I like to think I'm the only person that remembers that day. I've been very lucky to have the Veltidi's as an extended part of our family for decades. I watched Doug grow up with his Dad always standing beside him, holding him up and encouraging him, and now seeing the way Coach's grandchildren look at him is priceless. He was always with his best friend Judy. You rarely saw one without the other. He came to family birthday parties when he could and continued to support Suffern athletes even 20 years after high school graduation. He cherished his students and always showed up for them long into adulthood. I had the privilege recently, to work with some of his not so distant relatives as well.  The circle is wide. I wish the entire family peace and solace in the memories held with an extraordinary man that I am  grateful to have known. God Bless 

I knew Bob for 60 years, back to our days playing Freshman football in 1961 when the Nanuet Frosh defeated the Suffern Frosh 6-0 on a fumbled pass from the center to the punter that Bob was able to pick up and run into the end zone to score the winning touchdown. It was one of those very rare times that the lineman scored and in his zillion years of football it was his only touchdown and he was so proud of it.

We then knew each other through High School Wrestling as Nanuet grew to become very competitive with the Mounties. When he beat Richie Schumacher once, our entire team all had to help Richie recover psychologically for a week before he toughened up and became himself again.

Then we became teaching  and coaching colleagues and we had even more fun with our mutual experiences, including avoiding Coach Consiglio's "Friggin Mackinaw" bad weather day. We always mutually supported each other's teams and he was especially encouraging to the athletes I coached, both females and males. When he was Assistant AD he did an even more spectacular job in supporting them.

Bob's biggest legacy will probably be how he promoted and promulgated the history of the legendary Suffern High Wrestling program as well as helping to elevate the level of the support of Wrestling in both Section 9 and Section 1. Oh Bob, if only we could have convinced the "powers that were" of the value of your idea of the "Thruway Conference"! It would have been great.

My forever highlight memories of Bob though will be running into him while I was hiking or swimming in Harriman Park and I would find him fishing with Sally & Doug when they were little kids at Island Pond, Lake Askoti, or Sebago. It was always fun to see him smiling as much or more than his kids.

Judy, Sally, & Doug know that we are with you in your grieving and that Suffern, Nanuet, Rockland County and the world will miss him and his spirit. 

Rest In Peace, Bob. 

Tom McTaggart

Bob was a wonderful, friendly and generous SHS football coaching colleague. His big and affable spirit was a gift to his teams and coaching mates. Judy and Bob were also personal friends. Judy, I’m deeply saddened for your loss and that of the family. May you be blessed in the deep imprint he has provided us all…… Lloyd Jaeger, SHS ‘69 and Coach 1973-1981 … from Orlando,FL

I've known Bobby since we were in sixth grade in Nanuet.  He was always an exceptional athlete, and went on to become an excellent teacher and coach.  As an assistant AD he was unfailingly enthusiastic and supportive.  Above all, he was a good man.

    Judy, Sally, and Doug, although Covid protocalls preclude our attendance today, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Heather and I will gladly make a donation in his name to the Mat Club.

Mr. Veltidi always had an upbeat attitude, and genuinely interested and happy to catch up with us. We enjoyed his “larger then life” personality, and willingness to offer good advise on situations. His emails to the Suffern Wrestling families with updates and outcomes were pleasantly welcomed and kept us all connected. Mr. Veltidi was a true spirit of Mountie Pride. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will remain. 

Bob took a chance on me back in 1986 when he gave me my first coaching job as a Midget Mountie coach.  His wisdom, tutelage and friendship will be missed by all who knew him.  Thank you, Bob, for all you have done.


You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Jennifer Spenner-Kind
South East Consortium

Oh, what a guy!!  How the D'Adamo family loved Bob Veltidi. 
We remember him as a lifeguard at the Suffern Pool in the 60s where he cleared the pool to let my 2-year-old daughter jump off the diving board. Then as a fantastic 'gym' teacher at Cypress Road School where my children had the privilege to learn sports and more importantly 'sportsmanship' from his tutelage! He was famous at that time for the gymnastics shows he led.

My favorite memories are from the 70s to early 80s when I would sub for him. He always made sure to leave me the best plans for the day.  Even better was when I subbed for other teachers in the school and really got to talk with Bob and got to know him better. He was so much fun, and we shared many laughs.  

My condolences to Judy, Sally, Doug, Kristen and all his family.
  I will surely miss him!


My friend and colleague Bob Veltidi left me with a reservoir of Memories.  As Suffern HS Head Football Coach, one of Bobby’s pre-game motivational speeches that remains a favorite of mine was when he told our team, “I do not get paid to Coach Football.”  “I get paid to Make Memories.”  He then explained that years from now, each player would have lasting memories regarding their effort and performance in that Football Game.  He then directed the team to “Go Out There and Make Memories.”
Bob was a True Offensive Football Genius.  To give his Teams a better chance against Bigger, Faster, and Stronger schools, Bob introduced wrinkles such as the “Run & Shoot Offense” and “The Pole Cat”.  He said these unexpected schemes would not only give us a better chance to compete, but they would be fun and entertaining.
During the off season, Bob provided opportunity to his staff for self-improvement as well as fun and entertainment as we travelled from Atlantic City to Boston in Bob’s Mini Van to various Football Clinics.
Judy, Sally, Doug, Alan, Tommy and other Family Members.  My Deepest Condolences upon Bob’s passing.  Bob provided Special Memories not only for me but for many others.  
Bobby, Rest in Peace.


Our family will miss Bob, he was a great friend, coach and at times a fishing companion.  He always left us laughing, or in a very positive mood!!  Our best to the family and friends.

Rick Knapp and Family


Dear Veltidi Family,

My deepest sympathy to you all.   I know I can speak for my teammates when I say Coach had a lasting impression on us as players, but most importantly as young men.  Coach was an awesome football mind, but an even better person, mentor, and friend.  I like to think I have a piece of Coach with me as a Football Coach and leader of young men for the past 20 years.  I am certainly not crying because it is over, but rather smiling because it happened.  God Bless you all at this time, and forever!  Rest In Peace, Coach!



Judy, Sally, Doug, Kristen, Katherine, Patrick and all members of the Veltidi family - we have been privileged to come to know Bob, the gentleman whose love and devotion to his family was infinite. Bob will be remembered for the twinkle in his eyes, infectious laugh and smile when talking about all of you. Our memories include the family’s anticipation of Bob handing out his quizzes on specific holiday trivia or the “how well do you know your family members” at gatherings which would include laughs and at times the accuracy of hotly contested questions among those participating.  Bob’s devotion to family is further supported by his and Judy’s love for their grandchildren. Their joy is evident through all they did together and spoke proudly about after.  From Grandparents Day at daycare, to ballet recitals, babysitting, fishing at Foxwoods Pond, instructions of being a pirate and the correct way to say “aargh”. While Bob fought the fight to stay with all of you the twinkle in his eyes has been dimmed. So each of you and all of us should forever visualize that smile, laugh and twinkle through fond memories, photos, discussions and the comments listed here from those whose lives he touched. In all of our hearts his spirit lives on. 
Bob, Rest In Peace. 



Coach taught me to play fair but hard. He was a really nice man with a big heart. He was funny at times but you always knew when he was serious- RIP Coach 

My condolences to the family.    Although I wasn't your favorite student, LOL, I want to write that I'm deeply sorry to hear this.   May he rest in Peace.   All the best to Sally (who I Knew) & the rest of the Veltidi family.    He will be greatly missed.

Coach was my first gym teacher at Cypress Road. Looking at the dates, it was either his first or second year teaching! He was warm and fun and I have distinct memories learning football. Having an older brother that he coached in HS,  he was apart of my life years later. Decades later I reached out on social media and without hesitation he remembered me. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all the generations of Suffern students who’s lives he touched.

Bob's dedication to the Suffern Wrestling community was a mainstay and a commitment he sustained for many years.   My son, Eric was a Suffern wrestler from 2003 - 2005, and had fond memories of his interaction with Coach Veltidi, especially during the Kohl tournament. His energy and enthusiasm helped carry us through the long day of matches. The Gonzalez Family will certainly miss him. 

Bob you will be sorely missed by so many in our community.  Not only did you make a huge impression as a coach but your life lessons I learned in high school often come back in my life as a father, in the workplace and in general life.  I’m so glad I got to tell you that before you passed.  Sending much love to Judy, Sally and Doug and your whole extended family.


Judy, Doug, Sally and family,
Fond memories of Bob Veltidi and Suffern High School Football will be remembered always by the Weiss Family.  He was a big part of our sons football careers at Suffern High School.  Taught them the fundamentals of football, team camaraderie, pride and the love of the game.  Bob was not only a great coach and teacher, but he was a great man and a good friend to many.  He will be greatly missed and always in our prayers.  Bob, Vicki Weiss and Family.

Coach was always an inspiration and positive force in my athletic career. His encouragement and advice are remembered to this day--- I rarely use the word "Can't ".... :)  Rest in Peace , Much Mountie Love for all your passion while here are earth.

I’m proud to have known your Dad, Sally and have witnessed his enthusiasm, love and unmatched dedicated to all of us. My prayers for support and peace to your family and community of friends near and far who are mourning his loss. We know his impact and his legacy continues through you and Doug. 

He was a great coach and a great man he will be missed!RIP

As well as being a well known High School Teacher and Coach Bob was the PE teacher at Cypress Road School and ran a very special gymnastics program there.  He was very influential in encouraging students to do their best.  My children always thought very fondly of him as did I.🙏♥️

I’m so sorry for your loss Sally, Doug, and the Veltidi family. I have many great memories of Mr. Veltidi’s humor and coaching as an SHS high school student. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. 

So VERY sorry for your loss! My condolences go to the whole Veltidi family! 💙 RIP 

Thinking of the Veltidi family. I have very fond memories of growing up on Lexington Ave alongside the Veltidi family. Bob always welcomed us with open arms. Bob became Mr Veltidi as We entered high school and he was our PE teacher.  Sending love and light to his family…

Losing someone special is so so difficult.  When we taught together he was a special PE teacher.  I remember him coaching, and his team liked him.  I was lucky to have his and Judy children in my class my classes.  My son, Joshua loved Judy.  We were lucky to have the family in our district.  Bob was a teacher, a coach and a great father.  He will be missed, but live on in people's memories.  Bonnie Deutsch


A very special leader in the sports history of Rockland County high schools.  I enjoyed working with him for many years in the County's  Sports Hall of Fame.  A giant of an all-around personality, never to be forgotten.         Danny White, Nyack

What can you say about Coach V, a lot!  He was always there for us, pushing us to be the best that we could be.   You always knew you could go to him with any issue and never be judged!  Such great memories of hanging out with him at Suffern Pool to watching him coach high school football!   He will be missed!!  

 We will all miss you. I was part of your family for many years and still considered you part of mine. May you R.I.P.

What can you say about the most "fun" cousin a girl can have?   I can't think of an adventure that Robbie wasn't up for starting with our secret cousin barn club at Twin Avenue.  The woods by his house in Nanuet that we built a tree fort.  The many summers swimming and story telling.  He had a love of life and shared it with so many people.   I cherish every memory. Judy Komar Willis
Our deepest sympathy to Judy and the entire family.  
Love,  Judy and Bob Willis

Bob,
RIP Buddy.I thank you  very much for the trips we made together watching Lance and Doug playing college football. Thanks for the memories. God bless the entire family and love you all.
The Ramer Family 

OBITUARY

Robert Veltidi

September 7, 1947 – December 27, 2021

Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home

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