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Robert VAN ETTEN Obituary
Robert E. Sr., of Tenafly, on June 30, 2014. Beloved husband of Teresa (nee Martin). Devoted father of Robert Edward Jr. and David Arthur. Dear brother of Elaine Mc Cool. "Bob" was born on October 24th, 1943 in the Bronx where he grew up as the youngest of five children. Bob attended Manhattan Prep and later graduated from Manhattan College in 1965. Immediately following college Bob served in the United States Army. Bob then began a 30 year career in Federal Law Enforcement starting with a two year assignment in the IRS intelligence Division and continuing on to US Customs Service reaching the position of Special Agent in Charge of New York and New Jersey where he founded FLEO (Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association). Bob completed his 47-year law enforcement career serving as the Inspector General of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for the last 17 years. Bob was a staunch supporter of both the Yankees and Giants and shared many fond memories in connection with both teams with his family. We are going to miss you Dad. The Funeral Mass Thursday 1 PM at Mt Carmel Church 10 County Road Tenafly. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in memory of Robert E. Van Etten at JDRF.org or the wounded warrior project and woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements by Barrett Funeral Home Tenafly.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert VAN ETTEN
July 4, 2014
My condolences to Terry , Rob and David. Bob was a wonderful man, great husband and father, he will be deeply missed.
Maureen Larkin
John Fitzgerald
July 4, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Mr. Van Etten was always a gentlemen and always offered support and guidance to me during my 12 year assignment as a Detective in the Inspector Generals Office.
George Tabeek Jr.
July 3, 2014
I am very saddened to learn of Bob's Passing. For the last 20+ years i considered him a friend. He was a person you could always count on for support and guidance. On the days that followed 911 he was their, looking out for my well being and safety. I know that both his friends and Country will be at a loss with out him. May God Bless him.
July 3, 2014
Bob and I started as new special agents in the same IRS Intelligence group just some weeks apart and we stayed in touch while sharing experiences all the years despite our geographical distances. He was always for the agents and he was always my good friend. Our sincerest condolences to Terry and the entire family.
Brian & Judy Bruh
Vickie Balsano
July 3, 2014
We cherished your friendship all these years and will continue to cherish the memories. We will miss you very much.
Vickie & Nick Balsano
The Kennedys
July 2, 2014
We are deeply saddened and will miss our friend. We have so many fond memories of vacations, hockey and baseball games and get togethers with our families. We'll have to make do with those. Our thoughts are with Terry, Rob and Dave.
July 2, 2014
With deepest sorrow. Bob was one of the great ones. We knew that as early as our days together at Manattan Prep, class of 1961. He made all Prepsters very proud. I mourn his loss and celebrate his life. Steve Sweeny
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
July 2, 2014
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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