Robert Dennis Missel

Robert Dennis Missel, age 84, a long time resident of Ridgewood NJ and Old Saybrook Ct., son of Robert Missel and Grace Ethel Miller passed away on May 15 surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 6, 1941, in Paterson N.J., Robert (Bob) lived a life dedicated to service and unwavering commitment to his community and country. Bob proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and his experience in the military shaped his lifelong commitment to honor, duty, and leadership. Following his military service, Bob embarked on a distinguished 33-year career with the Ridgewood Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief. In 1997, Bob was privileged to oversee the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Ridgewood Fire Department. Bob worked with the Centennial Book Committee and others to research the history of the Ridgewood Fire Department. This culminated in the publication: From Yesterday to Today, Celebrating 100 years of Service to the Village. In 1992, Bob oversaw the construction of the current Ridgewood Firehouse headquarters on East Glen Ave. In addition to his career as a Fire Chief, Bob also founded the electrical contracting business, Missel Electric of Hawthorne, NJ that served the surrounding area for over 40 years. In his retirement, Bob continued to serve his community through volunteer work on town commissions. Bob also valued and maintained many life-long friendships from childhood. As an avid sailor, Bob enjoyed years of sailing with friends and family on his treasured sailboats "Smoke on the Water" and "Mischief" and was a member of the North Cove Yacht Club and the Niantic Sportsman's Club. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Missel, his son Robert D. Missel Jr. and his wife Diane Saporito, as well as his daughter-in-law, Alison Missel, his grandson Steven L. Missel Jr. and his granddaughter Megan Missel, as well as Michelle Williams, Karen Davidson [nee Williams], her husband Gerard, and Kelly Williams and her husband Paul Torres. Robert was predeceased by his son Steven L. Missel Sr. who also had served on the Ridgewood Fire Department. Bob touched and influenced many lives and will always be remembered with love and affection as grandpa "Chief" by Samantha, Nicholas, Fiona, Sophie, Madeline, and Paulie. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20, at Van Emburgh Funeral Home at 306 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood NJ, from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 21st at 10:00 am, at the Old Paramus Reformed Church, followed by burial at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood, NJ. The funeral service will be livestreamed, click here to view.