Obituary of Robert Joseph Aznar
Robert Joseph “Bob” Aznar, passed away peacefully at his home on August 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 19, 1933, to Joseph and Josephine Aznar, Bob spent his early years in Brooklyn until the age of twelve, when his family relocated to New Jersey. He had been a proud resident of Warren for over sixty-two years and also cherished his time at his second home in Brick, New Jersey, where he enjoyed the beauty and relaxation of the Jersey Shore. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time on his boat, the Lady Rose, named in honor of his beloved wife, and taking to the water for leisurely days of boating.
A graduate of St. John’s University, where he studied pharmacy, Bob went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Seoul, Korea, where he worked as a pharmacist. Upon returning home, he began his career in Elizabeth as a pharmacist, and in 1959, alongside his partner and dear friend John Manhardt, he co-founded Watchung Pharmacy. For over forty years, the two men served their community with dedication, compassion, and professionalism.
Bob was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren for sixty-two years, where he often served as a lector. He was also deeply committed to the Watchung-Warren Rotary Club, faithfully serving as secretary for decades. Tuesday meetings were a fixture in his life, and he poured his time and energy into organizing gatherings, outings, and fundraisers, always with a spirit of generosity and service. Known for his warmth and good nature, Bob was an avid New York Giants fan, a wine enthusiast, and someone who enjoyed a well-made gin and tonic, but above all, he will be remembered for his kindness, which touched everyone who knew him.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-nine years, Rose; his nephew, Mark Stout; his goddaughter, Amanda Di Donato; his godson, John W. Manhardt; and a host of extended family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Bob’s memory. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren, followed by interment at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Cemetery in Watchung.
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