Robert Charles Ifft

Dr. Robert Charles Ifft was born and raised in Franklin, Pennsylvania. He completed his undergraduate education at the Pennsylvania State University where he was selected for admission into the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-medical society. After college, he attended the School of Medicine at Temple University where he was honored by his induction into the prestigious Babcock Surgical Society. He did his medical internship at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C.

During the Korean War he served at Rodriquez Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico as a Captain in the medical corps. It was during this time he began to focus on the care of the ear, nose and throat. After two years of service in Puerto Rico, he returned to the U.S. and did his medical residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa. In 1959, Dr. Ifft moved to West Palm Beach and opened a private medical practice and dedicated his life to the care of others. He was well known for his patience and an infinite supply of kindness. Patients and their family members remember his selflessness, compassion and healing touch. It was rare for Dr. Ifft to be somewhere in the Palm Beaches and not be stopped by a patient, or family member, thanking him for the care he had given.

A believer, and servant of God, Dr. Ifft served on the Vestry of Holy Trinity Church. He also served on the board at the Sailfish Club of the Palm Beaches.

Dr. Ifft is survived by Mary, his loving and devoted wife of forty one years. He is also survived by his daughter, Dr. Robin Ifft of Seattle (Dr. James Ptaszynski) and his step-children Sally Smallwood (Dr. Geoff Smallwood) of Nashville, Karen Marasco (John Marasco) of North Palm Beach and Henry Richardson III of West Palm Beach. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Helwig of Lititz, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his first wife, and Robin’s mother, Shirley D. Ifft, his grandson Christopher Marasco and his brothers Richard and Gale Ifft. Dr. Ifft had seven grandchildren who he cherished and brought him great joy – Robert Ptaszynski, Caroline Ptaszynski, Lauren Toleno, Andrew Smallwood, Patrick Marasco, Mary Katherine Marasco, Mathew Marasco and one great grandson, Hamilton Toleno.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Ifft will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, West Palm Beach, Florida. Friends, former patients, and their family members, are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Dr. Ifft to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, West Palm Beach, Florida.