Robert Neff, 96, of South Kingstown, RI and formerly Holliston, MA, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023.  He was born in Cohasset, MA to the late LCDR Samuel B. and Madeline (Carney) Neff.  He was the husband of the late Ellen (Brown) Neff.  They had been married for 55 years. 

Bob spent most of childhood years in California and Hawaii, the son of a career naval officer. As a boy of 14, he was an eyewitness to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Bob graduated from Hingham High School and Thayer Academy, Braintree, MA. He earned an Associate’s degree in industrial chemistry from the former Franklin Institute, Boston, MA. He enlisted in the Navy and served during WWII and later served in the US Navy Reserve, retiring after 20 years as a Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate. He was employed as an industrial chemist for most of his adult life by Dennison Manufacturing, Co., Framingham, MA.  Bob is survived by his son Brian Neff and his wife Nancy of Charlestown, RI, and two granddaughters, Gretchen Neff Lambert and her husband Daniel, and Madeline Neff.  He is also survived by his sister, Joann DiCristofaro, and several nieces and nephews.  Bob was predeceased by his daughter, April C. Neff, and his sister Elizabeth Nicholson. 

Bob’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Bristol, RI for their exceptional care and also his thoughtful neighbors who all made a difference over the years.  

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 11 AM at the Chesmore Funeral Home, 854 Washington St., Holliston. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Holliston. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Attn. Business Office, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol, RI 02809 (by check, noting Robert Neff on the memo line) or the Animal Rescue Rhode Island of Peace Dale, RI http://www.animalrescueri.org