Robert A. Stevens

Robert A. Stevens, 82, of Roselle Park, N.J., passed peacefully on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

He was the beloved husband of Helen (nee Puteri) Stevens (1938-1992); father to Kathy Vail (husband, Clyde 1951-2010), Karen Phelan (husband, Keenan), Bob Stevens, Lori Musmanno (husband, Tom), Lynn Waldron (husband, "Wally" Robert), Sharon Turk (husband, John) and Bruce Stevens (wife, Nicole). He was predeceased by his parents, Ambrose and Dorothy (nee Finnegan) Stevens. He was brother to Girard Stevens (1937-2014); Dorothy "Sis" Sherman and husband, Jerry; John Stevens and wife, Eleanor; proud grandfather to Tara Vida, Kim Vida, Rachael Vida, Emily Vail, Clyde Vail; Meghan Phelan, Casey Phelan, Erin Phelan, Kailey Phelan, Molly Phelan; Hannah Stevens, Shawna Stevens; Kyra Musmanno, Amanda Musmanno, Justin Musmanno; Conner Waldron, Robert Waldron; Jack Waldron, Jessica Waldron; Kyle Turk, Kerri Turk, Shane Turk, Steven Turk; Anthony "AJ" Stevens, Robert Stevens; Lindsey Stevens; and great-grandfather to Zachary Barajas.

Originally from Scranton, Pa., Bob, who was referred to as "Boe" by his friends, graduated from North Central in Scranton, and joined the United States Marine Corps. After his service, he returned to marry his wife whom he met when he was only 10 years old. He was her paperboy. By delivering her paper first and staying, he often forced the neighborhood to walk to him to pick up their daily news. It was pre-conceived by all that they would be together forever. So, in 1960, it was no surprise he married the love of his life, and moved to Roselle Park, N.J. Within three years they had five children and another two before they were done.

Bob worked for Schering Plough for 40 years and also served on their Fire Brigade as assistant chief. He believed in serving his community and did so as a Roselle Park volunteer fireman and chief, and worked with Emergency Management. He also gave his spare time to coaching the boys' sports and being first in line to support and coach his girls playing at a time when girls' sports had just started. With the love of his family and friends, he and his hearty laugh will be greatly missed by all.

Everyone that knew Bob won't be surprised to find out there are a few rusty nails to his services because of the many COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. We are unable to have a proper viewing so planning a memorial service sometime in the summer when most/all restrictions have been lifted. However, for now we will have a funeral Mass at St. Theresa R.C. Church in Kenilworth on Monday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow to Graceland Memorial Park in Kenilworth.

For online condolences to the family, please go to www.mastapeterfuneralhome.com.

Because of the outpouring of love and questions of donations we have received, we ask in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Veterans Center of East Orange, N.J.; or the Roselle Park Fire Department in his honor. That would make him very pleased.