ROBERT JAMES OLDKNOW
1930-2014
Bob Oldknow passed away peacefully on June 30, 2014, age 83. Born to James and Lillian Oldknow on August 29,1930, he was a long time resident of Kearny. He graduated from Kearny High in 1948 and joined the US Army serving with the Army Occupation Forces in Germany before returning to Bordentown, New Jersey where he served until 1955. Bob joined the Kearny Police Force serving until 1962 before joining the Kearny Fire Department as a firefighter and finally Assistant to the Chief before his retirement in 1990. Bob was committed to his community, and was an active member of the West Hudson South Bergen Optimist Club. He was elected and served with distinction as Governor of the Optimist International for the State of NJ from 1987 to 1988. He was a member of the Copestone-Ophir Masonic Lodge and served as the Lodge Master Mason. He also had a great passion for local politics. He was a member of The Third Ward Harry S. Truman Club, The Tantaqua Club and was an elected Hudson County Democratic Committee Member for over 25 years.
Bob’s second home was in Ocean Grove where he ultimately retired with his beloved wife of 59 years, Frances, who predeceased him in November 2013. He made many friends in Ocean Grove, among them was his group of coffee buddies who met every morning on Main Street and landed the group a part in the opening scene of Hillary Duff’s movie filmed in Ocean Grove. Bob had a great sense of humor and loved to talk to everyone he met, making friends wherever he traveled. Bob is survived by his son, Keith Oldknow, Indianapolis IN, granddaughters, Meredyth (husband Josh), Katie and great granddaughter, Zoe, daughter Sharon Marshall (husband Steve) Anchorage AK, son, Kent R. Oldknow (wife Joan) Windham, NY, grandsons, Bryan, Sean and Kent II (Kerry), daughter, Marlynn Haslund (husband Leif), Tacoma WA, grandchildren, Leif Andrew, Anna, Peter, favorite nieces Missy and Maura, nephews, Mark and Michael…And many, many friends.
Visiting will be on Wednesday July 9, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass will be on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia Church and the cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Optimist International organization would be greatly appreciated.