Robert A. Hands, Jr.

Dr. Robert A. Hands, Jr., 80, passed away Friday, June 17, 2022, at his home in Upper Saddle River, NJ. He was born February 2, 1942 and was the only child of Robert Adrian Hands Sr. and Caroline Jean White.  He lived in Rutherford, NJ until 6th grade when he moved to Upper Saddle River, NJ where he remained for most of his life.

He graduated from Ramsey High School as Student Body President in 1960. He received his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth University and then graduated from Cornell University Medical School. During medical school, he met and married his wife, Lorraine who was attending Cornell Nursing School. He did his internship and residency at Columbia Presbyterian Babies Hospital where he was Chief Resident. 

Immediately upon finishing his residency, he was drafted into the army as a pediatrician during the Vietnam War stationed at Fort Bragg, NC.  He was honorably discharged in 1974 as a Major in the Army.

In 1974, he moved back to his hometown of Upper Saddle River, to open his pediatric practice where he remained practicing until his death. Dr. Hands dedicated his life to caring for his patients and raising his children.  Dr. Hands was committed to the Upper Saddle River Community as a coach of girls’ recreation sports, a long serving member of the Northern Highlands High School Board of Education and a school doctor for the Upper Saddle River school system.  He will be remembered by his family, patients and the community as a dedicated and loving father, doctor, and coach.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; daughters, Katherine Babitts, Victoria Wasulko and Loretta Hands; grandchildren, Konnor Shetler, Kassidy Shetler, Grace Wasulko, Maddie Wasulko, Erica Babitts, Emily Wasulko, Ellie Underwood, and Bryce Underwood.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 5-9 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey, NJ. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10 AM at the Old Stone Church, 481 East Saddle River Rd, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Interment will follow at the Old Stone Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends after the burial at their home at 331 East Saddle River Rd, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Donations can be made to the Valley Hospital Foundation, 223 N Van Dien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

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