Robert Engelmann, 78, Keansburg, passed away Nov. 13 surrounded by loved ones.
Pop, as he was fondly called by everyone, was a lifelong resident of the beautiful Bayshore. Born to Frank and Iva Engelmann of East Keansburg, Pop was their eldest son, followed by sisters Eileen of Toms River, Linda of Port Monmouth and Joyce of North Carolina. Joining Pop in heaven are his older brother Donald and little sister Claudia who surely greeted him with open arms.
Pop was a man of many talents and participated in many things. After graduating from Middletown High School in 1959 at 17, he joined the Navy aboard the USS Forestal where he maintained the planes in Virginia. It was during this time while home on leave that he met Constance Hyer. Both parishioners of the Keansburg United Methodist Church it was only fitting upon Connie’s college graduation that they marry and live there.
Upon his Honorable Discharge Pop worked for the marine police and the U.S. Postal Service and volunteered for the Keansburg Fire Department on Manning Place.
In 1970, after moving to their house on Main Street, Pop’s oldest daughter Chrissi was born and then three and a half years later they welcomed Melissa. It was shortly thereafter that Pop began his 25-year career with New Jersey Bell Telephone.
Pop took his girls everywhere. They fished, boated, crabbed, built things in the garbage, rode bikes for Icees on Carr Avenue and, once he bought his PA house, they were PA bound every weekend possible.
In 1995 Chrissi married Mike Hixenbaugh and Melissa gave birth to the first set of twins, Christopher and Cara. In 2000 Sydney arrived, and in 2002 a set of twins, Aidan and Liam, arrived to Chrissi and Mike.
In 2005 Melissa married longtime beau Brian Lynch and in 2008 Pop’s sixth grandchild Gylian arrived. It was then also that Pop found out he would battle the hardest battle he had ever fought, Stage 4 bladder cancer. With no surprise, a smile and I’m OK, he won!
In their retired years Pop and Connie had many amazing cruises throughout the Caribbean. They enjoyed wonderful visits with family and friends making a lifetime of memories.
We will miss Pop but are most thankful that we all have a special piece of him to hold close to our hearts.
Per Pop’s request there will be no service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held Memorial Day weekend 2021 with specifics to follow.
The article originally appeared in the December 3 – 9, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
