Robert E. Diefenbach Jr., 70

Robert E. Diefenbach Jr. of Campton, passed away in his home on March 15, 2024. He was 70 years old.

He was the son of Robert E. Diefenbach and the late Ruth DeNoyelles Diefenbach of Fort Myers, Florida. He was born in Greenville, North Carolina, and grew up in Rye, New York. He raised his family in Marston Mills, Massachusetts, before moving to New Hampshire and settling in Campton. Rob attended St. Louis University in Missouri. He spent his professional career in retail-related businesses. Most recently, he was a project consultant for Gordon Brothers of Boston, Massachusetts. He also served as treasurer of Campton’s Waterville Estates Village District.

Robert cherished music, especially live and particularly rock and jazz — though his eclectic tastes included many other genres. He was proud of his diverse and extensive collection of vinyl records and rock memorabilia. Rob possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of musicians, their works, their bands, genealogies, and influences. He was a great admirer of the Grateful Dead, a diehard Deadhead. Along with his family and friends, music was the love of his life.

Rob is survived by his devoted family, sons Robert III (Andrea McManus), Andrew (Shannon), and Mark; grandsons Jakob McManus Shapiro and Levi and Otis Diefenbach; father Robert; sister Margaret Gray (Stuart); brothers Michael (Michele), David (Nina), Eric (James Keith) and Peter; and former wife Nilde. 

In lieu of flowers, to honor Robert’s lifelong love of music, donations may be made to the band program at New York City’s IS230 where his eldest son Robert teaches: paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=GMNGCQTYN48KU; Jackson Heights I.C. for IS230’s Band Program, 35-18 90th St., Jackson Heights, NY 11372.

A private family celebration of Rob's life will be held in New York.