Robert “Bob” Burton, also known as “Beans,” 83, of Highlands, passed away peacefully April 29, 2026, surrounded by his children.
Born May 6, 1942, in Brooklyn, Bob was proud of where he came from and carried that pride with him throughout his life. He married his first wife, Krisida Neil, in 1963, and together they began their family. In 1973, they moved to Highlands, where they raised their children and built a life rooted in family and community.
Later in life, Bob married Judith Reidinger and moved to Staten Island, where they shared many happy and active years together. Despite living elsewhere, Highlands always remained home. He was a familiar and beloved presence, returning every Tuesday to share lunch with his children and grandchildren. After Judy’s passing in 2015, Bob returned to the area he loved.
Bob was a longtime bartender at Langford’s Tavern, also known as Charlie’s Place, in Belford. He was known for his quick wit, unforgettable stories, and remarkable mental math skills, always entertaining those around him. Bob was always the center of attention, loving a good chuckle, cracking a cold one, and telling a good joke or story. Whether behind the bar, at a pool table with his beloved Balabushka, stacking poker chips or sitting with a deck of cards, he had a way of bringing people together and making every moment more enjoyable.
Above all, Bob was devoted to his family. He often said his children were his greatest accomplishment, and he cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply.
He was predeceased by his birth father, John Burton; his mother, Genevieve Durando Crinigan; his father, Thomas F. Crinigan; his siblings, John “Jack” Burton, Thomas Crinigan, Kevin Crinigan, Owen Crinigan, Audrey Crinigan, and Lois McClelland; his wife, Judith Burton; his brothers-in-law, Robert Wyer and Steve McClelland; his sister-in-law, Grace Burton; his nephew, John Burton; and his great-nephew, Anthony Nasso.
Bob is survived by his children, Mary-Margaret (George) Kurta, Patricia (David) Parker, Kelli Burton, Jennifer (Louie) Burton, and Robert (Nancy) Burton, as well as his first wife and lifelong friend, Krisida Burton. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen (Charles) Nasso, MaryAnn Crinigan and Noreen Wyer and his sister-in-law, Cindy Crinigan.
He leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Brian, Charlie, Elyse, Jaclyn, Karina, Jessica, Mariah, Jana, Jack and Neil. He also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren: Charlie Jr., Sean, Reilly, Carter, Finn, KJ, Jordan Jr. (Gin), Christopher, Conor, Brody and Clayton.
Visitation was held May 5 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was held May 6 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), followed by burial at Bayview Cemetery.
The article originally appeared in the May 7 – 13, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
