Robert Emory Anstett

When Earth Day comes around, I think of Bobbie.... #1 Mr. Earth Day in Ocean County. I think of his commitment to the environment and his support of his fellow warriers, all gone now - Ben Epstein and Moe Albert, OC Citizens for Clean Water, Tom Cervasio from SAIN, (Stop All Incineration Now)all the good folks from Save Our Ocean, Frank Livelli and crew, his dear buddy Jack whose slides of the flora and fauna of the Pinelands live on....and I will never forget his advice when dealing with...

I have known Bob all my life in that I am his Nephew. I want to thank each of you for supporting us and giving your emotions. I found this site by doing a search. I am tempted to write and write and write about our Bob here, yet I know it is best to simply smile with you at the blessing he will always be to us, (you who are close to him) and to all (many unknowing) who he has served.
He wants you to be driven by those moments of possibility in your heart he helped you find and honor him...

I didn't want to miss the opportunity to hear from others who crossed paths with Bob Anstett. He saw everything of importance, yet always maintained a stately, civilized composure, while carrying a knowledge of corruption and venality few are capable of facing.

My wish is to collect a book of memories, so anything you can do to share this site with all of the many players in Anstett's theater, I will be greatful to you--

Compared to most of you, I have only known Bob for a relatively short time but I am thankful for that time. We worked together on the Northern Regional Cultural Commission of Ocean County, yet another one of his projects.

Bob Anstett played many roles with love, compassion and dedication. Actor, writer, activist, friend, he was a serious guy with a sense of humor who loved life, brought people together and inspired them. He also played a pretty mean game of pool.

No words this time, poet. But we don't need them, right? No time until the next "Hello, Friend."
Bob, I'm sure, you would get such a kick out of these "suggested entries" for signing this guest book!

Bob was the most cohesive member of Ocean County's loose affiliation of citizen activists. He brought people together with his down home charm and his searing view of how politics works. I cherish the afternoon I met Richie Havens in Bob & Eleanor's backyard. The irony of the moment did not evade any of us. Bob gave me the nickname Nandhi, which I understood as an honor. He had the uncanny ability to touch people where they needed to be touched. My very best to Eleanor and the rest of...

Bob was a lover of words, but words will not suffice. His passion for the environment, theater, and people crossed all barriers. He had an eye for what is important, and an equally sharp eye for what is superficial. Long ago, in the mid-1980's, when I got my start as an environmentalist, Bob took me under his wing and explained the ropes. Immune to all ideological impulses, Bob saw -- no, he felt -- all sides. Passionate, intuitive, understanding, broad-minded, and with a rich life history...

It seems impossible that this dear man is gone...to his wife and family, my deepest sympathy. For those of us who knew Bob as the leader of our writers group, there are no words this time.