Obituary of Thomas G. Roffe

CANISTEO: Thomas G. "Tom" Roffe, 73, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Bayfront Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL. Born in Rochester, NY on Oct. 30, 1943, he was a son of the late Robert and Margaret (Grattan) Roffe.

Tom was a graduate of York Central School and Buffalo State College, and finished his graduate work at Alfred University. He taught mechanical drawing and industrial arts/technology at Canisteo Central School for 33 years. He also enjoyed coaching the golf and boys’ basketball teams there. Tom was a long-time member at Twin Hickory Golf Club and also a member of the Canisteo American Legion, Hornell Elks Lodge, and Hornell Moose Lodge.

Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed playing golf, basketball, softball, and volleyball, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was an avid NY Yankee fan. He will especially be remembered for his quick, sarcastic wit, his competitive nature, his wealth of knowledge, and his ability to befriend everyone he met. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and was immensely proud of his daughters.

His loving family includes his wife Carol (Bryant) to whom he was married on Aug. 19, 1967 in Mt. Morris, NY; his two daughters, Danielle Roffe (fiancé Matt Stallman) of Honey Brook, PA and Heather (Greg) Wiktorski of Rochester; his sisters Nancy (Joe) Polizzi and Judy (Jerry) Lynn; his brother Bob (Kay) Roffe; his sister-in-law Cynthie (Randy) Luehman; his brother-in-law Mark (Deb) Bryant; several nieces and nephews along with great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Sunday, July 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Canisteo American Legion (61 W. Main St, Canisteo, NY).  Please join us to honor and celebrate Tom's life, and enjoy family, friends, and food. Dress is casual and comfortable. There will be greeting/gathering (like calling hours) at 1, with a brief memorial service at 2 where sharing of memories and stories about Tom is encouraged, followed by light refreshments. If you're joining us for the service and refreshments, help us plan for food and seating by RSVPing to Carol Roffe via email (roffe@alfred.edu) or call/text message (607-661-5356) before Tuesday, July 25.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to a charity of your choice or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163, online at nationalmssociety.org, or by calling 800-344-4867.