Robert A. Velten, a beloved husband, father, brother and friend, a resident of Wappingers Falls, NY passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the VA Hospital at Castle Point. He was 86 years old. The son of Henry and Hildegard Wenske Velten, Robert was born on March 13, 1940 in Jersey City, NJ.

He attended Jeffersonville NY schools and graduated from Jeffersonville High School Class of 1958. Bob attended Franklin Marshall College for 1 year and then transferred to New Paltz University.

Then he enlisted in the Army on November 30, 1961 and served as a Combat Veteran until November 2, 1964. He was a Sharpshooter, received many medals and commendations and was highly decorated. He was in the Army Reserve until November 29, 1967.

After his service, he became a Men’s and Boys Clothing Buyer at Sullivan's Department Store in Liberty, NY. Then worked as Store Manager at Sullivan's Department Store at Orange Plaza in Middletown, NY. Afterwards was a Men’s Clothing Buyer and Manager at Greens Department Store in Middletown, NY. Bob was also a shoe salesman at Ascot Shoes in Monticello, NY. Then he worked at the Jack Brand Men's Shop at the Concord Hotel in Kiamesha Lake, NY. He opened his own businesses Northeast Survival Products and NSP Custom Designs. Bob made custom designed T shirts, sweatshirts and aprons and sold costume jewelry in 2 shops in Grossingers and the Paramount Hotel. He did commercial work, made shirts for various vineyards and cabaret costumes and aprons for the Forestburgh Playhouse. His last job was as House Manager at New Hope Community. 

Bob was always active in the community. He was a member of the American Legion, Quartermaster of the VFW, a member of the Rotary Club and Interact Advisor at Monticello High School. He was also a member of Temple Sholom and of Les Amis du Vin. 

Bob is survived by his wife Maureen E. Velten, his daughters Julie B. Velten and Lisa Peters. He has a brother Ronald Velten and his wife Deena Cline Kohler. He leaves behind several cousins and many special close friends. Bob's excellent personality and wonderful sense of humor made him a favorite of all who knew him. We will miss and cherish his memory forever.

Bob was predeceased by our treasured mini dachshunds: Heidi, Daisy, Katie, Sweetie, Kaylie and Schatzie. Schatzie visited him often at Castle Point and was a tremendous comfort to him. We hope he's reunited with all our doxies in Heaven and is playing and frolicking with them doing all the things he was unable to do on this Earth. 

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701. Interment, with full military honors, will immediately follow at the Temple Sholom Cemetery, Southwoods Drive, Monticello, NY. 

Memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, PO Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603, the VFW, the American Legion or the Sullivan County SPCA.

Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or https://link.edgepilot.com/x/npCCwDxM5v_P4hhedE6B35I?u=http://www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com/.