Obituary of Jeffrey B. Senft

Jeffrey B. Senft, a devoted partner and father passed peacefully on October 25, 2023 at the age of 71 with family and friends by his side.

He was born and raised in Ridgewood, NJ.  As Founder, CEO and President of S&O Construction Services, Inc., Jeffrey led his Pleasant Valley, NY-based company to become a preeminent New York State mechanical construction firm that has completed numerous federal, state and local projects for over 35+ years. He was greatly fulfilled by his life’s work at S&O and adored all of his dedicated employees past and present, many of whom were with him and the company from the beginning.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Utica College of Syracuse University in Utica, New York in 1976. After earning his degree, Jeffrey began his career in construction as a service engineer for Green Fan Company before eventually joining C.B. Strain and Sons, Inc. where he began his rise from estimator to senior project manager, developing the knowledge and skills that led to him founding S&O.

Jeffrey was also of service to his community and industry through various organizations. He served on the Town of Pleasant Valley Planning Board which he joined in 1986 before being appointed Vice Chairman from 1990-1994 and Chairman from 1995-2002.

From 2003 to 2004, Jeffrey was elected President of the Northeast Subcontractors Association (NESCA). He also served as the Vice President of the Empire State Subcontractors Association, Inc (ESSA).

After Jeffrey made S&O a member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2005, the company became involved in various sponsorships for events benefiting the Chamber Foundation, which provides scholarships to local youth. Jeffrey became a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee where he was the 1st Vice Chair in 2017, and then elevated to Chair of the Board in 2018.

Jeffrey was a long-term member of the Construction Management Advisory Board and member of the Pioneer Society at Utica University.  He was also a lifelong supporter of West Point and Army football, an honorary member of the United States Military Academy At West Point Class of 1964, and a big lover of music and sports. His zest for life, great sense of humor, relentless work ethic, seeking spirit, and love for his family and friends made Jeffrey a special man and he will be greatly missed.

Jeffrey is survived by his fiancé Carmela Spreer, her daughter Kelly A. Spreer, his daughter Carla Senft, son-in-law Dan Lynch, beloved grandson Cole and Carla’s mother Karen Senft (Serino).  He also leaves behind his siblings Peter C. Senft (wife Linda), Michael F. Senft (wife Juno) and Robin Fitzpatrick (deceased husband Joseph), as well as several nieces and nephews, Craig S. Fitzpatrick (wife Jenny), Kerry N. Fitzpatrick, Richard B. Fitzpatrick, Conor W. Fitzpatrick, Tori Senft, Craig M. Senft (wife Tara), and Lea N. Senft (fiancé Michael McCabe). 

He was predeceased by his father Craig T. Senft, mother Marjorie Ann Senft, and stepmother Lois Senft.  Jeff’s most recent joy was his goldendoodle who he proudly named Iggy B.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 1- 5 pm at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home (371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY) with burial to follow 11am on Monday November 6, 2023, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Route 9W, Newburgh, New York.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the following:

The Jeffrey B. Senft Scholarship Fund at The Chamber Foundation Inc. Please visit DCRCOC.ORG for link.

The Jeffrey B. Senft Construction Management Scholarship Fund at Utica University.  Please visit Utica.edu/donate and in “Apply Donation to” type in the following:  In Memory of Jeffrey B. Senft.

If you would like to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com