Robert B. Palasits, of Watchung, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Ernest and Margaret Palasits. His family fondly remembers his stories of growing up in Jersey City with his brothers, where his family kept horses, pigeons, and chickens, memories that reflected a very different time and remained close to his heart. He later made his home in Union, New Jersey, where he raised his family, then moved to Watchung in 2004.

From a young age, Bob understood the value of hard work, beginning with one of his first jobs delivering Western Union telegrams by bicycle as a teenager. Following graduation from Snyder High School in Jersey City, he put himself through college while working full-time and attending classes at the Newark College of Engineering, now known as NJIT. After a few entry-level positions, Bob began his illustrious career with Elizabethtown Water Company in 1968. He obtained his license as a Registered Professional Engineer and rose through the ranks to become the Director of Engineering and Construction. He retired in June 2000 after a long and dedicated career.

Throughout his life, Bob was known for his love of and commitment to staying active. One of his greatest passions was softball. He coached for the Union Suffragettes’ girls softball league for over 25 years, continuing long after his own daughters had finished simply because he loved the game. That love of softball stayed with him throughout his life. Robert played in a senior league into his 80s, taking the field at shortstop and centerfield, and serving as a pinch runner because he still had “good knees.” He was also a loyal fan of the New York Mets and enjoyed traveling.

Bob was also a man of faith and was devoted to his church communities. He was an active parishioner of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Union, then of St. Mary’s Stony Hill Roman Catholic Church in Watchung for his remaining years.

Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Carol Ann Kozlowski Palasits; his second wife, Anna Fydryszewski Palasits; his parents, Ernest and Margaret Huber Palasits; and his three brothers, Ernest (Barbara), Walter (Concetta), and John.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Annette Monaghan; his four daughters, Judith Stolz, Patricia Haelsig and her husband, Tom, Irene Rynar and her husband, Robert, and Jennifer Biro and her husband, Rob; and his stepchildren, Alyson Levy and her husband, Michael, Brynn Hudson and her husband, Blake.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Jake (Cindy), Caroline (Juan), Jennifer (David), Emily (Luke), Adam (Amy), Carol (Rob), Libby (Hugh), Doug (Carina), and Jonathan, who all share fond memories of their family trips to Frost Valley and the Outer Banks together. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Ellie, Mateo, Faye, and Finnen; four step-grandchildren, including Carter, Tatum, Nola, and Bridget, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, New Jersey, on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Roman Catholic Church in Watchung on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

Cremation services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains.

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