Robert (Bob) was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who lived a long and happy life and passed away peacefully after a brief illness.
Bob was born in Montclair, NJ on September 1, 1937, to Robert A. and Anna Thompson. After High School, he served in the United States Army stationed at Fort Dix in NJ, the Ft. Lee in Virginia. He was then deployed to Germany and was later honorably discharged. After serving in the Army, Bob met the love of his life Jocelyn (Jo) with whom he was married for 64 years. Together they continued to reside in Montclair and raise three children.
Wanting to serve the community he loved, Bob joined the Montclair Police Department as a Patrolman. He was later promoted to Detective and ultimately to Sergeant before retiring after 29 years on the force. He was very proud that his son and grandson followed in his footsteps and chose the career that he loved so much by continuing his legacy.
He was often seen riding his motorcycle (with Jo on the back) and was a fixture at the Montclair Skating Rink either working or supporting his children playing hockey or figure skating. Many will remember Bob as a real jokester with an infectious laugh who would do anything for his family and friends.
After retiring they relocated to South Jersey where he enjoyed riding his GoldWing Motorcycle through the pinelands, fishing for the one that got away, tending to his tomato plants, and winter vacations in Florida where he made so many wonderful friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family whom he loved dearly.
Bob will be sorely missed and is survived by his wife, Jocelyn (Jo), his daughter Dale Anne and son-in-law William Dalton, daughter Diane Petrozzino, his sister Ann Strand, his brother Arthur and sister-in-law Louise Thompson, grandsons Robert A. Thompson III, Richard Thompson, Robert (RJ) Petrozzino and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his son Robert A. Thompson Jr., son-in-law Robert D Petrozzino and brother-in-law George Strand.
Visitation hours will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm and a Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 10:30 am with a service to be held at 11:30 am at Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Drive, Manahawkin, NJ.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To leave online condolences and fond memories of Bob for the Thompson family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18