Robert V. Waldron Sr., “Ace/Doc/Hook,” age 87 of Atlantic Highlands, passed away peacefully Nov. 12 at his home away from home, Rincon, Puerto Rico. He was born Jan. 11, 1932, in Bayonne, raised in Jersey City, and settled in Atlantic Highlands.
He was an adoring son, loyal brother, devoted husband to the “lovely” Diane, a kind, loving and supportive father, doting Pop Pop and, lest we forget, an avid Mets fan!
He attended Snyder High School in Jersey City, excelling at football, baseball and swimming. It was in the halls of Snyder H.S. that Bob forged a lifelong friendship with his dearest friend Bernie Sweeney. This friendship spanned more than 75 years and, if you were lucky, you were able to join them at the Shore Casino and laugh as Bob manned the bar and Bernie manned the floor.
Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, honorably serving in the Korean War; he was a member of American Legion Post 141. He went on to study English literature at St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire. It is with the Abbey Players of St. Anselm’s where Bob began a lifelong love of the stage, a love affair that traverses the stages of the Monmouth Players, Wagon Wheel Playhouse, The Barn Theatre and University of North Carolina Parkway Playhouse. In 1975, Bob founded and performed at the Harbor Light Dinner Theatre. Over the last 45 years Bob could be found selling tickets and bringing in and out the shows as a member of the Local 536 at PNC Bank Arts Center.
Bob’s myriad interests characterized him as a true Renaissance man. Whether it was the stage, film, literature, public service, sport, aviation, surfing, storytelling, playing the ukulele or laughter, his “carpe diem” creed ensured he would get the most from all his endeavors.
Bob began his life’s work in 1966 as a teacher, director, civic leader and coach at Henry Hudson Regional High School and then Keansburg High School. It was in the classroom, halls of borough hall, woods of Holmdel Park, and the baseball diamond that he would find his true calling.
Bob’s innate ability to see the best in all of us guided his almost 40 years in education, politics, and coaching. Whether evoking Shakespeare’s spirit, serving on town council and the zoning board, or celebrating two Sectional Championships with his cross country and baseball teams or his most recent passion, cheering for SHU #19, he epitomized what it means to live a life well lived.
Bob’s love of golf benefitted his alma mater over the past 16 years with the annual St. Anselm’s golf outing. If you had the good fortune to have your life intersect with his, you got a glimpse into what it means to be the best son, brother, husband, father, in-law, uncle, friend, public servant, colleague, coach, and above all TEACHER!
Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, the “lovely” Diane; his son Robert V. Waldron Jr. and partner Deborah Renee Russell; his son Walter Waldron and partner Misty Long; his daughter Abigail Swanton and husband Jeffery Swanton; and seven grandchildren: Tristan and Mia Russell, Charlotte and Ivy Waldron, and Macy-Joan, Juliet and Whitney Swanton.
Bob was predeceased by his father Walter and mother Margaret and brother Walter, all of whom he adored!
Bob was everyone’s “best friend”; his generosity of spirit will be dearly missed.
Friends were received at Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, Atlantic Highlands, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Agnes Church and internment at Bayview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bob “Doc” Waldron Scholarship Fund at
gofundme.com/f/robert-waldron-memorial-scholarship-fund.
