Obituary of Robert "Bob" T. Alexander
Robert “Bob” Alexander passed away on May 5th, 2018 at the age of 68. Bob was a 38 year resident of Oakland, New Jersey, and is survived by his wife Catherine (neé McKenna) of 42 years, his daughter Abigail, and her husband Christian, his son, Michael, and his wife Isabel and his granddaughter Molly Catherine. He is also survived by two sisters Susan DeVries of Mahwah, NJ and Mary Lou Nielsen, of Wake Forest, NC and a number of nieces and nephews.
Bob was born on November 7th 1949 to Harry and Ruth (neé Kuiper), Alexander. He attended Clifton High school, graduating in 1967 and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History from Paterson State College in 1971. While in college, Bob was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and a member of the History National Honor Society.
Bob started his career in teaching in the Hazlet, New Jersey school system. He then went on to teach 8th grade at St. Peter’s School in Belleville, New Jersey.
After six years in education, Bob changed careers working as a production manager in typesetting for PubSet in Union New Jersey. In 1998, Bob became the production manager for G&G publishing, an auditing newsletter firm until his retirement in 2008.
Bob was a devoted husband and a loving father, as well an active member of the Oakland community. He volunteered in one capacity or another for the better part of 30 years. He was a member of the Oakland Fathers club, as well as a member of the Oakland Recreation Commission, for 10 years including serving as its chair. He was inducted into the Oakland Recreation Hall of fame in 2000 along with his wife, Cathy. He and Cathy co-chaired the New Years Eve celebration in 1995 that was part of Oakland’s 300th Anniversary year long celebration. Since 1971, Bob enjoyed participating in the North Jersey APBA Baseball League.
Bob was a volunteer assistant coach for the Indian Hills High School softball team for 20 years, where he helped lead the team to three State Championships, in 2010, 2013, and 2014. He stayed active in coaching for Indian Hills and was recognized by the Bergen County Coaches Association with a lifetime achievement award.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please make donations to the Indian Hills softball program, c/o Joe Leicht or the Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River, New Jersey.