Robert A. Honecker Sr. passed away peacefully March 23, 2024, at the Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care in Scotch Plains. He was 95 years old.
Big Bob, as he was known to family and friends, was born June 30, 1928, at home in Mountainside. He was the second son born to his predeceased parents, retired Chief of Police Charles J. Honecker Sr. and Matilda Honecker. He was also predeceased by his brother Charles J. Honecker Jr., also from Mountainside.
Bob was a 1946 graduate of Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country for two years as an Army Ranger and paratrooper. He always liked to tell the story that the first time he flew in a plane he had to jump out of it.
In 1950 he was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant, training soldiers to become paratroopers. It was during this time that he met the love of his life Veronica McAuley. They were wed in 1952 and were married for 55 years until her death in 2007.
Bob worked as a builder for over 40 years. He built many fine homes in Mountainside, Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Tinton Falls and Clinton. He was known throughout his career as an honest and caring man, virtues that he instilled in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Together Bob and Ronnie raised four children. He is survived by Robet A. Honecker Jr. and his wife Kim of Shrewsbury, Bruce Honecker and his wife Kim of Bayville, Heidi Weber and her husband Rick of Spring Lake, and Mary Jo Stearns and her husband Dale of Mountainside.
He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.
Services were held March 27 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Mountainside where he was a daily communicant. A visitation with family was held before the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
The article originally appeared in the March 28 – April 3, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
