Robert John Ferguson

09/29/1938 - 09/28/2025

Robert John Ferguson (September 29, 1938 – September 28, 2025)
East Brunswick and Mantoloking, New Jersey
Robert John Ferguson passed away peacefully on September 28 in Bradenton, Florida, surrounded by his wife and four children, only five hours short of his 87th birthday.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Maria. He also leaves behind his four children: Bob Jr. and wife Kimberly and grandchild Dashiell; Mickey and wife Nancy and grandchildren Molly and Lindsey; Ronald and wife Sharon and grandchildren Hazel and Olive; and daughter Taylor and her husband Liam Benson. He is also survived by his brother Wayne Ferguson. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Willard (Bud) Ferguson and Dorothy (Dot) Gaddis Ferguson.
Born at home and raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Bob grew up among 34 first cousins and graduated with the very close-knit NBHS Class of 1956. He went on to Rutgers University, graduating in 1962 after putting himself through school with his entrepreneurial spirit in the trucking business. His career blended corporate leadership with entrepreneurship: Distribution Manager for Johnson & Johnson, Vice President of Manufacturing for Chanel Perfumes, Vice President of Operations for Ralph Lauren/Polo Perfumes, owner of the Califon Basket Company, and ultimately Founder of Ferguson Associates, a worldwide distribution facility specializing in luxury fragrances and cosmetics. He was actively running this family business until a few days before his death.
Bob's community service included leadership as United Way Area Chairman, Industry Lector for Rutgers University, Middlesex County College, American Management Association, and Middlesex County Police Academy. He also served as Police Commissioner for Califon, New Jersey. Known for his generosity as much as his leadership, Bob was the celebrated meatloaf chef of monthly fellowship dinners at his local church for many years, serving those in need of a meal and companionship.
His deepest passion was animal welfare. He was co-founder of the Middlesex County Animal Shelter, which grew from a small local operation into a lifesaving network that placed thousands of dogs and cats into homes. He also served as Chief Enforcement Officer of the Middlesex County SPCA, overseeing the enforcement of animal cruelty laws. His favorite quote was, "I only wish I was half the man my dog thinks I am."
Most of all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, Grampy, and great-Grampy. He was steady, kind, generous, and magnetic, the one everyone could always count on. Nothing meant more to him than his family, and he was happiest surrounded by them. He was still telling his iconic stories and making sure everyone had what they needed just days before his passing. His sharp mind never wavered, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter,
and the countless lives he touched. For nearly 87 years the world was better because he was in it.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. A Funeral service will follow at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter in Bob's memory, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to giving every dog and cat a safe home, or to the Gary Sinise Foundation in support of America's veterans.