Robert J. Klinger Jr.

Bob (Robert) Klinger, Jr., 94, of Oakhurst, NJ, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 3, after a courageous battle with cancer. To the end he fought to live his life.

Bob was born on April 7, 1931, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Orange, NJ, and in 1933 moved to Oakhurst. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Sr. (Poppy) and Mary Katherine (Gram). In his childhood he was a proud member of the Boy Scouts and the Explorer Scouts. He was a 1950 graduate of Asbury Park High School and served in the Air Force from 1950-1954. After his time in the service he worked for the Bendix Corporation from 1954 to 1958. On May 9, 1958, he began his long career with New Jersey Natural Gas, starting as a meter reader and ending as a service repairman. He was very knowledgeable and manually skilled and was always available to help with home repairs.

Bob was known for his love of people, sports, fun times, and quick wit. The Giants and Yankees lost their biggest fan! He served for over 60 years with the Oakhurst Fire and First Aid Department in different roles, including that of Chief (1973) and Fire Commissioner. In addition, he was a member of Elks Club #128.

He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Shirley; his children, Yvonne (Wilmer) and Robert III; grandchildren M.J. (Melissa), Nicki (Jay), Robert, Kayla (Fabiano), Kaitlyn, Bryan, and Shirley; great-grandchildren Anthony, Carmine, Raeya, Maximo, and Marco; and his sisters Anne and Doris. He was predeceased by his brother Charlie.

Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Monday at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral service will be held at 10 am on Tuesday at the funeral home followed by burial at Monmouth Memorial Park in Tinton Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oakhurst Fire Department. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.