Obituary of Robert F. Aldrich Jr.

Robert Fairbrother Aldrich Jr. July 29, 1940 – December 23, 2025 Robert Fairbrother Aldrich Jr., 85, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh, New York. Born in White Plains, New York, to Rafaella and Robert Aldrich, Robert lived his life with intensity, curiosity, and drive. At sixteen, he competed in Golden Gloves boxing, learning early the discipline and competitiveness that would shape much of his life. At eighteen, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Special Forces as a paratrooper during the Vietnam era, including extensive service in Laos, where he was known among his fellow servicemen as “the kid.” After his honorable discharge, Robert returned home and began what would become a lifelong pattern of building, learning, and reinventing. He co-owned Murphy Printing with his parents and later served as Superintendent of Mail at the Newburgh Post Office. It was there that he met Jane Hudson, a mail carrier who would become his wife and lifelong partner. Robert was an entrepreneur at heart and deeply competitive in everything he pursued. Over the years, he owned and operated several businesses, including J.R.I. Furniture, founded with his wife Jane; Newburgh Barrel & Drum; and Quadex Computers, which he founded with his son Greg and others. He believed in learning every job from the ground up and took pride in mastering whatever he set his mind to. He also had a deep appreciation for antiques and furniture restoration, restoring pieces by hand and finding satisfaction in reviving what others overlooked—often through estate sales throughout the Hudson Valley. Golf was one of Robert’s greatest passions. A longtime member of Storm King Golf Club, he was a multiple-year Men’s Club Champion and Senior Men’s Club Champion, served on the club’s board, and was well known and well liked by those who shared the course with him. Both a fierce competitor and a gracious sportsman, he earned the affectionate nickname “Disco Bobby” after a legendary, dance-filled club event that perfectly reflected his joy for life. Later in life, Robert remained in remarkable physical condition. Even as an older man, he could usually be found on a golf course, walking the Temple Hill school track, or heading out the door to his beloved Planet Fitness—never losing his commitment to movement, strength, and self-discipline. Robert cherished the rhythms of everyday life—strong coffee, a good Reuben sandwich, spirited conversation, and watching New York Yankees games, often shared with family and friends. Robert is survived by his wife, Jane Hudson; his sons, Greg Aldrich and Brian Aldrich; his grandchildren, Daniel McKinstrie II, Arielle Margotta, A.J. Margotta, Tyler Margotta, and Keegan Aldrich; and his great-grandchildren, Dylan Margotta, Daniel McKinstrie III, and Aryana McKinstrie. He is also survived by his aunt Frances DeSoiza; his cousins Eugene and Ronald DeSoiza; his nephews Reed and Seth Epstein; his niece Laura Epstein; his daughter-in-law Heidi Aldrich; and his sister-in-law Amy Epstein and brother-in-law Miles Epstein. He was predeceased by his first wife, Carol Hoffman Aldrich; his daughter, Kim Margotta; and his grandson, Jonathan Morizzo. Robert lived with momentum—curious, fearless, competitive, and deeply human. His life leaves a lasting imprint on all who knew and loved him. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of Robert’s honorable service in the United States Army Special Forces during the Vietnam era, including the awarding of the Good Conduct Medal and Parachutist Badge. Private services will be held, family may be reached at 845-527-2642.