Hello everyone, I am writing this on behalf of the Gifford Family during this extremely emotional time.

Bob suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest on Thursday, January 8th. On Saturday, January 17th, Bob passed away peacefully in the company of his three children, Bobby(25), Cynthia(20), and Krissa(15). They know that he is in a better place and watching over them. We will continue to share more about the future plans as well. They thank everyone for the love, support, patient, and respect that has been sent to them as they continue to navigate this difficult time. They are strong, young individuals who have worked through this to the best of their ability and knowledge. Any amount will help his kids ease the worry and burden of the emotional toll, medical, and life expenses.

Last year, the girls lost their mom around this time, who was their main caretaker. They have relied heavily on Bob since. They have had an emotional year with their parents and have stayed strong despite their challenges in these circumstances.

For some context about how young Bob’s kids are and what they are going through. Bobby is in the process of completing his last year of college in Florida and travelled to NY to care for his father and two younger sisters. With the loss of their father Cynthia and Bobby are stepping up to care for their younger sister Krissa. They want to set her on the best path for her future like her Mom and Dad would have wished for her. Cynthia is in her sophomore year of college at Oswego, she has been working since she was 15 years old to help support herself. With the loss of her mother last year, she had also taken on more responsibility with her younger sister. Krissa is a sophomore in high school. She has had an emotional year between the loss of her parents. She has experienced so much change during this period. This family has always been extremely patient, kind, and caring to those around them.

Bobby: Although I didn’t grow up with him, Dad never let that stop him from showing up for me. He always made sure I was okay, no matter what was going on in his own life. If someone he loved needed help, he would drop everything without a second thought. He wasn’t a big talker, but when I was struggling, he would listen, give his advice, and do whatever he could to help—maybe not always the best advice , but it was always given with love. He taught me what real selflessness looks like, what it means to be there for people even when it’s hard, and how to care without expecting anything in return. Knowing how many of you felt that same love, support, and quiet strength from him brings me comfort in the middle of this situation, and I will carry who he was with me for the rest of my life.

Cynthia: My dad always made sure if any of his kids or anyone else needed something he would do what he could to make it happen. If I had a problem or issue he would do whatever he could to fix it. There were so many times I had to tell him he didn’t have to help me right then and there but that’s just who he was. Whenever I called him he would tell me about his day and how he would shift his schedule to meet the needs of the people in his life. I’m proud and so glad that I’m his daughter. I want to say thank you to the community for coming together and supporting us during these difficult times. It really shows us how much my dad was an impact to not just us but everyone around him. He took pride in what he did and I’m so happy to see the amount of people and support that has come his way. Thank you all deeply for your prayers and thoughts.

Krissa: My father was a one of a kind dad. Me and him had our ups and downs but no matter what he was still my dad and I was his daughter. When I first got a phone I couldn’t go to bed unless I called him to tell him goodnight. I was always a daddy’s girl. My dad made me feel so special and cool at a young age. He taught me so many things out of the blue, and made sure everything was done his way. He taught me everything I know about bikes now. Me and my dad would go on very long bike rides to talk and listen to music until the sunset, then we would start biking home. He loved to tell me stories about his childhood and show me funny videos from Facebook reels. He’d come home everyday from work and take his hour nap then go for a walk to get his beer and then head to his friends. He had a very big impact on me, and taught me to not worry about other people. He showed me the right and wrong path, And I’m so grateful I had him to be my father. Thank you to everyone being by mine and my family’s side during this difficult time, it means a lot to me and my family.