Robert Hamalainen Obituary

Robert L. Hamalainen, 62, of Wayne, died Dec. 12.

Born in Jersey City, he lived in Saddle Brook before moving to Wayne 16 years ago. He was a data collection technician for the United States Postal Service, Paterson, for 30 years before his retirement in 2005.

Surviving is his mother, May Hamalainen of Mahwah; his brothers, Gary Hamalainen of Wayne and Raymond and his wife, Sheri Hamalainen, of Wayne. Also surviving are four nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Vincent, in 1981.

Funeral was Dec. 16. Arrangements by Vander Plaat Funeral Home, Wyckoff.

Donations to the American Stroke Association, Robbinsville, would be appreciated.

Published by Community News on Dec. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hamalainen

1 Entry

Vincent Hamalainen

January 6, 2011

My name is Vincent Hamalainen and I am writing here to preserve the memory of my Uncle, Robert Hamalainen.

I have fond memories of when I was younger and Uncle Bob would come over to babysit my sister and I. I would always be excited about the "no rules when the parents are gone" thing. I am inclined to believe Uncle Bob kept us well behaved though. I do remember always having a lot of fun and anticipating the next time I would need a babysitter.

As I got older he used to send me birthday cards with a Snoopy comic on them and he was pretty good at picking them. They always made me laugh. He always gave cool gifts and as any kid would, I loved him for it. He gave me my baseball glove which I still have and use today.

When Uncle Bob had his first stroke I found it very sad. I saw him plenty of times after the stroke, but he never really returned to his former self, I don't think, so it wasn't really the same. Though some parts of him endured: his interest in sports, for one. He would always be reading books on sports and occasionally he would watch part of the Giants' game with my dad and I. So I think the most important part of Uncle Bob made it through the stroke. His soul. And I think even now it lives on. You will be missed Uncle Bob.

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