Robert J. Citarella Sr., 80, of Staatsburgh

Robert J. Citarella Sr., 80, a longtime area resident, died unexpectedly Monday, April 23, 2018, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.

Born in Queens on March 19, 1938, he was the son of the late John and Adeline Blessinger Citarella.

Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was a programmer at IBM for many years until his retirement.

A man of faith, he was a communicant of St. Peter’s Parish, Poughkeepsie, and a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at MidHudson Regional Medical Center. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Hyde Park Council 6111, Regina Coeli Choir, and the St. Peter’s Prayer Group.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara, at home; four sons, Robert Citarella Jr., of La Center, Ky., Mark J. Marble of Hopewell Junction, and Thomas J. Citarella and James V. Citarella, both of Pleasant Valley; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Arlene Murphy and husband, Greg, of Hyde Park, and Ann McCarthy of New Jersey; brothers, John Citarella of Queens, and Philip Cavalier and wife, Jan, of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018, at Sweet’s Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Patrick Curley at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel of St. Peter’s Parish, 185 Hudson View Drive, Poughkeepsie. Naval military honors will follow.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the Citarella family respectfully requests memorial donations to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley (reference – backpack program), 195 Hudson St., Cornwallon-Hudson, N.Y. 12520 (w w w.foodbankof hudsonvalley.org)

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.