Robert A. De Groat Sr. of Ringwood, N.J., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. He battled stage 4 cancer and beat it in 2017. He developed complications after the cancer which ultimately led to his demise. He was 71 years old.
Bob was born on May 8, 1949, in Paterson, N.J., the son of James Sydney De Groat and Gertrude De Groat. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Paul Eugene Van Dunk, David Dennison and sister Loretta Rusinyak.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Anna Jean; his children: Kecia of Ringwood, Ingrid of Ringwood, Robert Jr. of West Milford, Sharon of Ringwood and Britina of Ringwood; 15 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, his twin brother Roger De Groat, his brother Sydney De Groat, his sisters Marva McKinney, Brenda De Groat, Maureen Van Dunk and Mary Brink. He’s also survived by many sisters- and brothers-in-laws, nieces, nephews as well as many other relatives and friends.
Bob was employed for 10 plus years with the Ringwood Board of Education. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Bob loved him. He was kind, patient, strong, understanding, supportive, comforting, a great listener, pleasant, nurturing, always his family’s protector and so much more. He would help anyone that needed it. He was a Hero to his family.
He enjoyed being home and spending time with his family, talking to and laughing with his twin brother, being out in nature, playing with his grandchildren (he was so much more to them then just a grandfather), working around his yard, training his dogs, fishing, watching Western movies and reminiscing about his childhood.
To respect Bob’s wishes a private memorial visitation was held Sept. 28 at Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 La Rue Road, Newfoundland.
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