Robert was born and raised in Teaneck, NJ on October 25, 1952, to the late Robert and Christina (Engelhard) Kouba. Bob earned his B.A. and M.A. in computer science from NJIT. Prior to his retirement 20 years ago, he worked at Pan American Airlines, NJIT, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and M&M Mars.
Bob was a longtime member of Our Lady Mt. Carmel Church in Swartswood where he was a eucharistic minister and choir member. For over 40 years he was an EMT serving the Pequannock, Newton and Fredon communities.
Bob and group of his friends spent a summer hitchhiking their way through Europe. The following summer, they traveled by van across the United States. Bob had at one time held a ham radio operator license. He had also been a bingo worker at St. Anastasia's Church in Teaneck, NJ and was involved in running a Catholic singles' group. Bob dabbled in amateur photography, an interest he inherited from his father, and took a photography class taught by fellow Fredon firefighter Joe Guerriero. He also enjoyed cooking chili and won an award in the chili cookoff Public Safety Division at the New Jersey State Fair. For a number of years, Bob enjoyed playing Santa Claus on the Fredon firetruck as it made its way around town.
The beloved husband to Carol Kouba; Bob is also survived by his daughters, Valerie Spector and her husband, Gavin, Marianne Kouba, Sharon Kouba and Claire Mojica and her husband, Dave and his grandson, Evan Goble.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 203 Swartswood Rd, Newton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to Fredon Volunteer Fire Company, 443A Route 94, Newton, NJ 07860 or Meals on Wheels – Sussex County, 48 Wyker Road, Franklin, NJ 07416. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
