Robert L. Ellsworth, 91 Robert L. Ellsworth, 91, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025. Born in Ridgefield Park, Robert grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ, in a home he helped build alongside his father and brother—a testament to his lifelong dedication and craftsmanship. He worked with his two sons, Kenneth and Michael, to build a sunroom on the family home in Martinsville, NJ, and he also built several pieces of furniture, including one piece of particular note. On a trip to Williamsburg, VA, in a furniture store, Bob took out his measuring tape and took detailed measurements and notes of a display shelf, and he then turned these measurements into a shelf that still proudly hangs on the wall in their residence.

Robert earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rutgers University and went on to have a distinguished career at Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ, where he worked for 34 years in the radio-labeled synthesis group. His contributions to science and research included multiple publications and patents, as well as contributing to the development of multiple Merck medicines.

Beyond his professional life, Robert loved traveling, gardening, and antiquing, with a particular enthusiasm for collecting vintage advertising tins. Most of all, he cherished time with his family, especially his loving wife of 60 years, his children, and seven grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen Ellsworth (née Burke); his sons, Kenneth (and his wife Dina) and Michael (and his wife Dori); his seven grandchildren—Katherine (Scott), Emily, William, Matthew, Ashley, Maggie, and Sydney; and his brother, Arthur. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur Sr. and Mary Frances, and his sister, Carol.

A private funeral will be held on Saturday, December 6th.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).