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

Born in Greenville, North Carolina, the son of Robert E. and Ruth (DeNoyelles) Diefenbach, he grew up in Rye, New York, where he attended Osborn and Resurrection schools and graduated from Rye Neck High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University in Missouri. 

Mr. Diefenbach spent his professional career in retail-related businesses. Most recently, he was a project consultant for Gordon Brothers of Boston. 

He raised his family in Marston Mills, Massachusetts, before moving to New Hampshire and settling in Campton, where he served as treasurer of Campton’s Waterville Estates Village District.

Along with family and friends, music, particularly rock and jazz, was the love of his life, and he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of musicians, their works, their bands, genealogies, and influences. He was proud of his eclectic and extensive collection of vinyl records and rock memorabilia, and a great admirer of the Grateful Dead, a diehard Deadhead.

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

Donations honoring Rob Diefenbach’s lifelong love of music, can be made to the band program at NYC’s I.S. 230, where his eldest son, Robert, teaches.

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