Robert J. Vessey

Robert J. Vessey, 79, most recently of Mahwah, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. He was the son of Roy and Mary Kimerle Vessey. He is survived by his three children, daughters Jean and Trish, and son Bob, and three grandchildren, Ethan, Zachary, and Nathaniel. Bob, as he was known to everyone, was predeceased by Loretta (Ret), his wife of 52 years. After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, NY, Bob began work at Western Electric in 1963 as an installer, working his way into management through hard work and training. There he met his future wife, Ret, and in 1966, they married and started a life together in Spring Valley, NY, where they lived for 45 years. Bob retired at 45 and began to engage in his other passions. Always an avid record collector, audiophile, model builder, and photographer, Bob now had time to dive more deeply into these activities. When not going to garage sales or flea markets, you could find Bob and Ret entertaining many weekends and holidays. They welcomed family, neighbors, and friends equally. Everyone has a funny story about a gathering at Bob & Ret’s place. Bob loved to travel, initially organizing the annual trips for the family to drive to Florida, out west, or to Maine. Then later, he planned trips for him and Ret to cruise the rivers of Europe or visit Italy, Alaska, or the Galapagos Islands. Traveling, meeting new people, and seeing new places were a large part of their lives. Their move to Ridge Gardens provided an opportunity to meet more people and find a close-knit community. He and Ret quickly became the social hub of the neighborhood, hosting movie and dinner nights out of the garage Bob had converted into his workshop. Bob would always lend a hand if a child needed something fixed or a neighbor had a question, usually with extra explanation included.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 3 - 6 PM and Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 3 - 6 PM, with a time to share remembrances beginning at 5 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey. Please bring a story about Bob to share.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice via The Valley Hospital Foundation, 223 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 or online at www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org.