Robert Talerico passed away peacefully May 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Robert was born Sept. 6, 1940, to Fraucesco (Frank) and Maria C. (Caragliano) Talerico at his family home in Red Bank. He was delivered by his aunt, who was a midwife.
This began his lifetime love of Red Bank.
Bob lived a life centered on family, service and community. He attended Red Bank schools and graduated from Red Bank High School in 1958. He served on the Reunion Committee for years so he could stay in touch with his classmates.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1963. He was always a proud veteran and attended several reunions with other shipmates of the USS Fort Snelling. He returned to Red Bank after his service in the Navy and dedicated 34 years to the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1998.
Bob joined the Red Bank Fire Department in 1973, eventually serving as chief of Navesink Hook & Ladder Co. in 1994. He proudly volunteered as an active member for over 50 years. He loved everything about serving as a fireman and the service to the community and camaraderie it offered. Soon after his retirement from the post office, Bob started a second career inspecting commercial buildings for the Red Bank fFire Marshal’s Office for 14 years.
Bob met his beloved wife Bonnie (Nortz) while working for the post office. They married in 1969 and together they raised two children, Robert Jr. and Ann Marie, in Red Bank. During these years, Bob worked the early shift at the post office so he could serve as a youth coach for Little League baseball and soccer teams. He volunteered as an assistant leader of his son’s Boy Scout troop and participated in the YMCA’s Indian Princess program with his daughter. He showed his unwavering support and presence at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events throughout their school years.
He was a diehard Yankees and Jets fan throughout his life.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Maria Talerico; his brother Bruno; his brother Frank and his wife Jean; and his beloved uncle Dominic Caragliano, who brought his mother’s family from Italy to the United States.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Bonnie; his children, Robert Talerico Jr., his wife Kristina and their daughter Ashley and his daughter Ann Marie and her children, Lauren and Liam Airey; his nephews, Joseph Talerico and his family, Donald Talerico and his family and their mother Teri Greene, and his nephew, Steven Talarico. He also leaves behind the Nortz family, who embraced him as one of their own.
His family would like to thank his home health aides, Jack and Shay, his dedicated physical therapist, Marve, and his sitter, Lisa, all of whom helped navigate his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
A memorial gathering was held May 27 at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A memorial Mass was held May 28 at St. James Church in Red Bank. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Navesink Hook & Ladder Co. via Venmo at @RBFD-Ladder91 or via mail to Navesink Hook & Ladder Co., Red Bank Fire Department, 7-9 Mechanic St., Red Bank, NJ 07701.
The article originally appeared in the May 28 – June 3, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
