Robert Atkinson Gaynor

Robert Atkinson Gaynor

Asbury Park

Robert Atkinson Gaynor died on November 15 with his wife, Ellen, and daughter, Amanda, at his side. Born on February 11, 1954 in New Brunswick to Robert Edward Gaynor and Virginia Lee (Atkinson) Gaynor, he left us too early, long before his hopes and dreams and plans for the future had been realized. He was a person of remarkable integrity with a love of and devotion to his family that knew no bounds. Bob attended grammar school in Franklin Township and graduated from the Hun School. He attended the University of Colorado, graduating in 1977, and then attended Fordham University School of Law where he was a Law Review editor. Upon graduation and passing the bar, Bob was a partner at Anderson, Russell, Kill, and Olick where he found his most gratifying work to be representing the Fresh Air Fund. In 1990 Bob became a Public Defender for the State of New Jersey, working initially in Middlesex County, then Monmouth, then Somerset for close to 20 years, and finally, back to Monmouth. He brought his patience, reasoning acumen, tenacity, and passion for justice to both his clients and his colleagues. He and his family lived in the village of Middlebush for 28 years, nurturing their colonial home, supporting the Rutgers football team, playing in a weekly volleyball league, and celebrating every 4th of July Middlebush Parade. Only recently retired, Bob embraced his adopted home of Asbury Park, attending all the civic functions he could, supporting the Kenwood Racing Group, enjoying the beach even when the sun wasn't shining, swimming in his beloved New Jersey surf, taking yoga classes on the sand, volunteering with the Friends of Wesley Lake and the Environmental Shade Tree Commission of Asbury Park, and assuming the role of President for his condominium association. Everything Bob did he did with thought, attention to detail, and seriousness- although he was always one to enjoy a good laugh or a joke at his expense.

Bob leaves his wife Ellen Lowenhar Gaynor and his daughter Amanda Tess Gaynor; his sister Patricia Hartman and her spouse Michele St. Marie; his nephew Kurt Hartman and his wife Nadia, and their children Virginia and Eleni; his parents-in-law Fred and Sonya Panson; his brother-in-law Edward Lowenhar and his wife Sandra, and their children Sam and Lilli; his sister-in-law Valerie Miliotis and her husband Ares, and their children Matthew and Miranda; and his sister-in-law Gayle Gaynor and her children Keith and Marci. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Christopher.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on December 5 at 1pm in Asbury Park at the Watermark. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814. Buckley Funeral Home, 509 Second Avenue, Asbury Park is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be expressed at: www.Buckleyfuneralhome.net.