Obituary for Robert J. Matits
Born October 4, 1936 in Paterson, NJ, “Bob” passed away at age 85 in Pompton Plains, NJ on February 1, 2022. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his constant companion, best friend, and wife of 59 years, Rita, as well as his daughters, Lori and Lynn, and son, Bill.
Bob grew up in Paterson and graduated from Central High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany where he worked as an Army Teletype Operator. Upon completion of service in 1958, he was honorably discharged with a Medal of Good Conduct.
Upon returning home from service, Bob launched a 40 year career in printing beginning with the Paterson Evening News. During his career, he owned a successful printing business as well as commercial real estate in Wayne Township.
Those that knew him best remember Bob as a hardworking, kind hearted, modest gentleman and family man. He loved his country and the opportunities it afforded him to create a better life for his family. He always made time for his faith and was an active Parishioner at St Paul’s and the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine.
Bob was a gifted athlete and enjoyed playing and watching sports throughout his life. He excelled at baseball as a young man and enjoyed coaching young players. Bob was an avid Giants fan and never missed a home game as a season ticket holder at the Yale Bowl and Giants Stadium. He traveled to the Rose Bowl and Tampa Stadium for Super Bowl victories in ‘86 and ‘91. In retirement Bob found time for golf and bocce and earned himself the nickname “Clutch”.
Later in life, he took on one of his most important roles as “Pop Pop”. Bob adored his 7 grandchildren and enjoyed spending time watching them participate in anything that made them happy.
Bob leaves behind a lifetime of warm family memories and a legacy of selflessness. His big warm smile and reassuring wink of an eye will be missed by those that love him most. Bob is survived by his wife, Rita, children Lori, Bill, and Lynn, his daughter-in-law, Lauren, his son-in-law, Joe, and his grandchildren Brooke, Kaitlyn, Kristen, Konnor, William, Sophia and Gianna.
Family and friends may visit the Matits family on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 3-7 PM at the Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ. Funeral will depart at 9:30 am on Monday, February 7, 2022, from the funeral home, for a 10:00am funeral mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church, 155 West Pkwy, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Interment will follow at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes.
In lieu of flowers, the Matits family requests donations be made in Robert's name to Alzheimer's Association.
Bob grew up in Paterson and graduated from Central High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany where he worked as an Army Teletype Operator. Upon completion of service in 1958, he was honorably discharged with a Medal of Good Conduct.
Upon returning home from service, Bob launched a 40 year career in printing beginning with the Paterson Evening News. During his career, he owned a successful printing business as well as commercial real estate in Wayne Township.
Those that knew him best remember Bob as a hardworking, kind hearted, modest gentleman and family man. He loved his country and the opportunities it afforded him to create a better life for his family. He always made time for his faith and was an active Parishioner at St Paul’s and the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine.
Bob was a gifted athlete and enjoyed playing and watching sports throughout his life. He excelled at baseball as a young man and enjoyed coaching young players. Bob was an avid Giants fan and never missed a home game as a season ticket holder at the Yale Bowl and Giants Stadium. He traveled to the Rose Bowl and Tampa Stadium for Super Bowl victories in ‘86 and ‘91. In retirement Bob found time for golf and bocce and earned himself the nickname “Clutch”.
Later in life, he took on one of his most important roles as “Pop Pop”. Bob adored his 7 grandchildren and enjoyed spending time watching them participate in anything that made them happy.
Bob leaves behind a lifetime of warm family memories and a legacy of selflessness. His big warm smile and reassuring wink of an eye will be missed by those that love him most. Bob is survived by his wife, Rita, children Lori, Bill, and Lynn, his daughter-in-law, Lauren, his son-in-law, Joe, and his grandchildren Brooke, Kaitlyn, Kristen, Konnor, William, Sophia and Gianna.
Family and friends may visit the Matits family on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 3-7 PM at the Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ. Funeral will depart at 9:30 am on Monday, February 7, 2022, from the funeral home, for a 10:00am funeral mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church, 155 West Pkwy, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Interment will follow at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes.
In lieu of flowers, the Matits family requests donations be made in Robert's name to Alzheimer's Association.