Obituary of Robert Dejaiffe

DEJAIFFE, Robert, LCDR Age 77 of Horseheads, NY and formerly of Kennewick, WA, Robert died on August 21st, 2014 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was son of the late Ernest and Lorena Dejaiffe and is survived by Lynn, his wife of 35 years, and their children; David (Betty) Dejaiffe, Dane (Kim) Osburn, Cindy Russo, Jamie (Andrew) Fedor, Bruce Dejaiffe, Edward (Kristen) Osburn III, Jill (Floyd) Smith, and Terry (Jolene) Dejaiffe; along with 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Robert was a graduate of both Penn State and Syracuse University where he received a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering and his MBA in Business Administration, respectively. He became an internationally recognized scientist, holding 12 patents in various fields ranging from microscopic hollow glass beads to highway stripes that are visible in rain. He built the furnace that made the first windows for the space shuttles, developed useful foam from waste glass, installed the first successful batch compacting system as well as contributing to many other innovations. Since his retirement, Robert has visited over 60 state parks and loved to brag about his "travel vest". He is the published author of "Seeking Christian Unity." Robert served his country in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Corry and then spent an additional 19 years in the Naval Reserves; he retired from the service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was a member of the Catlin United Methodist Church along with several organizations that included Kiwanis, Rotary, JayCees, Lay Speaker, ACS, AIChE, and MENSA. Robert loved travelling, his grandchildren, singing Christian hymns and any bulk food section of any grocery store. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Friday August 29th from 12PM to 1PM. A memorial service in celebration of Robert's life will be held at 1PM, followed by committal at Woodlawn National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting that friends make charitable donations to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to the ASPCA.