Name: Visitation for Robert D. Kertes
Start: 2017-03-13T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-03-13T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Flynn & Son Funeral Home - Fords

Robert D. Kertes

AGE: 81 • Edison

Robert D. Kertes, 81, of Edison, passed peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2017, at Brighton Gardens of Edison.

A Perth Amboy native, he had resided in Edison since 1962.

He was a graduate of Springfield College in Massachusetts and received his master's degree at the University of Illinois.

He was a prominent and very well respected physical education teacher and coach of both the boys and girls basketball and tennis teams at Highland Park High School, for over 50 years, winning multiple state and district titles, before retiring in 1997. He continued coaching Girls Tennis until 2010.

Robert possessed an uncanny knack for getting the very best out of each and every one his students and athletes. He was a remarkable figure in many facets of student life at Highland Park High School during his career.

He was the former camp director at the Sayreville YMCA for 10 years and past president of the Clara Barton Seniors.

He was an avid sports fan who loved the Brooklyn Dodgers/NY Mets, the NY Knicks, the NY Rangers, and the NY Giants.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy; his three children, Wade R. Kertes; Glen D. Kertes and his wife Michele; Leigh Ann Castelli and her husband Darren; his seven grandchildren, Joy, Philip, Michael, Trotman, Harrison, Corinne, and Lauren; his sister, Norma DeCanzio; and his aunt, Catherine Lucka.

Visitation will be on Monday from 2- 4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with a service at 3:30 p.m., at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave. Fords, NJ 08863.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Highland Park High School, to establish a Robert D. Kertes Senior Student Award.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Home News Tribune on Mar. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kertes

Sponsored by Flynn & Son Funeral Home - Fords.

20 Entries

Charles Wapner

September 29, 2024

He nicknamed me "knuckles" because I dropped one pass on the 8th grade playground. It stuck through high school.

In P.E. one day, I went out for a long pass. At a certain point, Richie Policastro stopped guarding me. Why? I caught the ball, turned, and smack into an upright metal pole and landed flat on my back. Coach came over to me and asked if I was okay. Second thing he said was you held onto the ball. Next he said, go home." I did.

David Kostick

September 28, 2024

He was a great teacher and coach. I had him in 9th, 10th and 11th grade at Highland Park High School 1964-1966. Great teach and guy.

David Kostick

Mitch Dakelman

March 5, 2024

Bob is pictured in the upper right, of the picture showing the football coaches of 1963. From left to right, Jay Dakelman, Jim Rogers, John Silagi, Alfred Nicholas, and upper right, Bob Kertes.

Charlie Wapner

September 12, 2022

I had a lot of coaches in high school. I majored in sports; minored in college prep. Mr. "Bullet Bob" Kertes was the best, most likeable coach I had. First day of 8th grade he walked onto the playground throwing around a football. I dropped a pass. He quickly named me Knuckles. The guys heard and it stuck. He has been gone a long time but I only read about him today.

Kim Glatt Yochai

March 5, 2022

I remember Mr. Kertes fondly as a gym teacher and basketball coach, for some of the years I played at HPHS. He was a quiet and gentle man, and always cared about the students. May he rest in peace...condolences to his family.

James Chilakos

March 23, 2018

So sorry to hear that Mr Kertes passed away. He was a typical Highland Park High School coach. He not only wanted you to be a better athlete but he also cared about you as a person!! All the coaches I was lucky enough to have played for, Mr Lepine, Mr Bach, Mr Johnson and Mr Dakelman were the same way. My prayers go out to Mr. Kertes family.
Jim Chilakos

Jeff Highsmith

March 26, 2017

Coached me in Basketball in the two years i played for the owls i scored 1,100 points because he believed in me and allow me to play my game R.I.P. coach the Highsmith family.

Bill Dewees

March 14, 2017

"Nice guys finish last!" That's what Coach Bob Kertes used to drum into our heads during basketball practice in 1968. We would hear it loudly and clearly as he bellowed it through a bullhorn sitting at the top of the bleachers, center court, with his back against the block wall. That was his way of motivating us when we were not "tenacious" enough on the court. I knew what he meant, and as much as it burned me up, since I thought I was giving one hundred percent, I knew he wanted us to play harder, but deep down, I knew he also wanted a group of "nice" guys that emulated his demeanor of which he could be proud. After graduation from college, I started my professional career, and with my wife, raised three children, and eventually were blessed with six grandchildren. All the while, Bob's words have lived in my head. Yes, we need to always push ourselves to improve, but we need to play by the rules. We play the game to get the best out of ourselves and make our teammates better so we can contribute to a workable, peaceful society. When that occurs, everyone succeeds. Bob's words were about respect and displaying a higher code of decency for ourselves and each other. That is what Bob taught me through coaching. He was a mentor, offering sound life advice, and always doing it with a smile. As much as Bob wanted to toughen us up, I felt that he, being the gentleman, was not always an easy task for him. But, that is how he lived his life, always a gentleman, family man, and life coach. Bob, you lived your life well and you are the best example that "nice guys finish last!"

AnnMarie Lapelosa

March 13, 2017

Mr. Kertes was my gym teacher back in Bartle School. Very nice man, may he rest in peace. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

Mitchell Dakelman

March 13, 2017

Mr. Kertes was a great teacher and I enjoyed having him in school and for the many years of friendship that followed with both him and his family.

Jack Fertig

March 13, 2017

Played for him, coached with him. Always had the kids' best interests at heart. Sincere, honest and professional in everything he did. I'm a better person and coach because of my association with Bob.

1978 Gym Picture

Lee Smith

March 12, 2017

Lee Smith

March 12, 2017

I always appreciated the professionalism of Mr. Kertes. My favorite HS picture was with him. Great to see he has lived a long life. Class of 1978.

Ted Krzyzanowski

March 12, 2017

I t was an honor to have to have played for him.He was a great man and coach. I thank you for my nickname that you gave me-Mr.hustle

Kim Glatt (Yochai) Class of 80

March 11, 2017

I remember Mr. Kertes as a gym teacher and coach...always kind and gentle. May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family.

Aaron Adams

March 11, 2017

Mr. Kertes was a good teacher, a good coach, and a great man. I always admired and respected him. He was an exceptional human being.

George Simko

March 11, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the family of Bob Kertes. I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing "Big Bob" as we called him while growing up in the late forties and early fifties while living in the Maple Apts.in Perth Amboy, N.J. Bob was very instrumental in helping me play baseball, and boy was he ever a die-hard Brooklyn Dodger fan. My first trip to a major league game was with Bob to Ebbets Field in Brooklyn around 1950. Bob, you will surely missed by all who knew you. Rest in peace. George Simko.

Bob Torrone

March 11, 2017

Bob was a great friend and I enjoyed coaching with him for many years! We always enjoyed a few beers and a lot laughs after the games ! He will be missed ! Bob Torrone

Joel Potter

March 11, 2017

A wonderful man who had enough humility to always listen to his JV coach Bob Torrone during the games. Coached Joe Polito and Ricky Earle a tandem as good as any we will ever see. A part of our youth has left us.

Linda Minnella

March 10, 2017

I was so sad to get the news of Bob's Passing. I have very fond memories of working with him. He was was such a kind and gentle man. My deepest condolences to his family.

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