Robert E Desmet

Robert E Desmet, 87, of Belford, NJ, passed away on December 12, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He grew up in Hawthorne, NJ and lived in Stanhope before moving to Belford in 1978. Robert graduated from Don Bosco Tech and Fairleigh Dickinson University. He worked as a Draftsman and later Financial Advisor for Bell Labs and AT&T.
He served his country honorably in the US Army. After being honorably discharged, he married the love of his life, Marilynn, and the two started a family. Bob's leisure time was spent on family trips, fishing, tying flies, building fishing rods, and hunting with family/friends and companion dog. His love of NY Ranger Hockey carried through to his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Mary's Parish for almost 50 years serving as an usher for many of those years.
Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Marilynn Desmet; son, Michael DeSmet; daughter, Kathleen and husband, Richard, (Kathie & Rich) Lusardi; three grandchildren, Nicholas (Hilary) Lusardi, Matthew (Shannon) Lusardi, and Christian Lusardi; three great-grandchildren, Bobby, Annie, and Henry Lusardi; and his two brothers, Jim (Joan) Desmet and Dan (Patty) Desmet. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, August and Rose Desmet.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown.
A Funeral Mass will be offered Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Mary Mother of God Church, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Rd., New Monmouth.
His final resting place will be at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood, NJ.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Robert's name to Garden of Dreams Foundation (www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org).