Obituary of Robert Francis Schuler
Robert (Bob) Schuler passed away on January 11, 2019. Born in Irvington, New Jersey, in July of 1931 to George and Carrie Schuler of Newark, New Jersey. Bob grew up in Newark where he attended St. Leo’s for grammar school and graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1949. Shortly after graduation, Bob joined the Navy in 1951 where he served until 1955. While serving in the Navy, Bob was stationed on the USS Dortch (670). Bob was on shore leave from the Navy when he met his beloved wife, Mary Ann, in 1953. He had to return to the Dortch but would soon return and marry her.
Bob and Mary Ann married on May 8th, 1954, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Newark, New Jersey. Bob then took this opportunity to go to college at night at Seton Hall University where he earned his undergraduate degree in 3 years and his graduate degree in 2 years. Their eldest son, Tom, was born in 1958. Soon after followed their next three children, Kathleen in 1963, Steven in 1966, and Brian in 1969. After Kathleen was born, Bob and Mary Ann moved their family to Bridgewater, New Jersey, where they remained for the majority of their lives.
Bob was a devoted father and participated in many of his children’s activities. Steven and Brian were involved in the Boy Scout Troop 154, where Bob went to all their camping trips, outings, and even helped not only his two sons, but the rest of the troop earn their badges. He even earned some of his own. Bob joined his daughter Kathleen on her girl scout hiking and biking trips as well. Bob loved to participate in any scout related event.
Throughout his entire life, Bob was involved in several different organizations and groups. First was the self-made group called the “Skylarks.” This was a group of 12 men who grew up together, went out together, attended all of each other’s family events, and even had reunions once a year. No matter where the 12 men were, they would meet all over the country, along with their families, to have their weekend reunion. Bob was the last surviving member.
Bob was actively involved with Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville and the Diocese of Metuchen. He served in various capacities. He was a financial advisor under 5 bishops at The Diocese of Metuchen as well as at Blessed Sacrament. He was also a Eucharistic Minister. Bob was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus 5959 and was also a 4th degree Knight in the Somerville chapter. In addition to being active in the church, he was also on the board of the ARC, a member of the Exchange Club of Somerville, and a district president for the area.
Bob worked as the Vice President and Trust Officer at United National Bank in Plainfield, NJ for the majority of his working career. At the same time, he was an adjunct professor at Raritan Valley Community College where he taught economics, marketing, and financial courses. The bank allowed Bob to design and teach courses at RVCC. Bob would work at the college and bank until his retirement. Additionally, Bob and Mary Ann owned a learning center where they taught SAT prep courses and helped students with reading and math remediation courses. Upon retirement, Bob and Mary Ann purchased a house in Florida and spent their time between Florida and Bridgewater, NJ. They enjoyed that house for 12 years.
Bob was a hard working man, but he enjoyed relaxing as well. He loved to garden and grew not only flowers, but fruit trees and vegetables as well. Bob also loved his music. Jazz, Dixieland, blues, classical and Frank Sinatra were some of his favorites.
Surviving are his beloved wife Mary Ann of 65 years; his children – Tom Schuler of Basking Ridge, NJ, his daughter Kathleen and husband Richard Cirillo of Maryland, Steven and Kim Schuler of Lebanon, NJ, Brian and Robbie Schuler of Berkeley Heights, NJ. Grandchildren Alexandra Cirillo-Lilli and husband Matthew, Matthew, Marissa and Andrew Cirillo, and Heather and Douglas Schuler.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org).
