Robert Gerald Horsman passed away peacefully April 7, 2026, at his home in Shrewsbury. He was 91. Born Nov. 16, 1934, in Long Branch, Bob was the son of William and Geraldine Horsman. He graduated from Long Branch High School in 1953.
Bob fit many lifetimes into his one remarkable life. He began his career in road construction, where he worked for 21 years. He later embarked on a new venture in the restaurant industry in 1973, owning and operating several beloved local establishments, including The Pour House (now owned and operated by his dear friend Gary Schoelkopf), Main Street USA, The Sitting Duck, and The Grist Mill. He remained at the helm of these restaurants until 1994.
Bob’s greatest joy was found outdoors. He was an avid deer and bird hunter, especially fond of duck hunting with a Labrador retriever at his side and pheasant hunting in South Dakota. He loved being on the water, bringing home fresh striped bass and, on occasion, tuna from trips out to the Canyon.
Each winter, Bob eagerly awaited the freeze of the river so he could take out his ice boats. He was a 46-year member of the Red Bank Iceboat Club and a founding member of the NJ Waterfowlers Association.
He enjoyed decades of skiing with his family in Vermont, and kept a season pass well into his 70s. He loved snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of St. John and kayaking in the Maine ocean. In later years, Bob and his wife Alison split their time between their homes at Brays Island, South Carolina, and Palm City, Florida, always returning to spend summers in the Two River area he cherished.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Alison Beattie Horsman; his sons, George and Bob Horsman; his daughter, Katie Horsman; and his cherished grandson, Elliot, age 8. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Norris and David Horsman.
He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial drive, deep love of the outdoors, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Services were held April 11 at St. George’s-by-the-River, Rumson.
Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the April 23 – 29, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
