Robert Joseph "Rob" Narucki Sr.

Robert Joseph Narucki, Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 6, 2026. Born and raised in Nutley, NJ he was the only child of Marge (Messineo) and Tom Narucki.

Rob proudly attended Nutley public schools and played football, basketball and baseball as a child. He spent summers growing up at his grandparents house in Ortley Beach, and collected tons of friends throughout the years. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and became a diehard Domer. He bled blue and gold and was a lifelong fan, following all Irish sports year round. He studied abroad in Angers, France for a year and frequently referenced this special time, as it gave him a love for travel which he continued later in life.

After receiving his JD from Wake Forest University and marrying his hometown sweetheart, Ellen, he pursued a career in law by first working for the Essex County public defender's office, and then became a member of the Gaccione, Pomaco and Beck Law Firm in Belleville, NJ. He transitioned to a career in title insurance, managing the offices of Chicago Title as well as New Jersey Realty Title for over 35 years.

Rob called Verona, NJ home for 46 years. He was heavily involved in his children's activities, school events, townwide parades and was well-known in the community. Rob was a longtime member of the town's rent board and a dedicated member of the Verona Jaycees and Verona Lions Club, where he earned the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. In both organizations, he served as Board Secretary for many years and gave so much of himself to service and to his lifelong friendships within. Monthly meetings with his Lions at The Nest were part of his foundation and he surrounded himself with an amazing group of people he deeply loved and respected. He played on softball teams, tennis groups, and always said "yes" to a friend.

Rob had a strong faith and was a devout member of the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Verona, where he was an active participant in the Christian Family Movement (CFM) and the church choir for many years.

Rob loved spending quality time with his family and always had a vacation planned. Ski trips with family and friends, camping at High Point State Park, Outer Banks, exploring Williamsburg, Disney, Cooperstown, Canada, the Berkshires, Maine, and St. Patty's in Savannah, among others. He had many favorite locations and always wanted to show and teach his children something new. There wasn't a college campus he didn't pull in to tour and he and Ellen doubled down on travel during retirement, covering most of Europe with trips through the Notre Dame Alumni and Viking Cruise Tours.

His full life went beyond positions, memberships and activities. Rob loved life. He loved people. He loved to be loud and vivacious, and everyone knew when he entered a room. He could be found in lederhosen at Oktoberfest, a signature tie at holidays, Notre Dame gear, and had a myriad of baseball caps to support different teams, colleges and organizations. He always had a connection to make with you and loved to come up with a good gift for that special person. He made you feel noticed, loved to banter and get you comfortable, and was always ready to break out in song or commercial jingle. He preached that "There's a song for every occasion." Music filled his house and jokes were aplenty. Rob never shied from sharing his strong opinions and life was just way more entertaining with him in it. He made an impact on this world and on so many people and the void left is unfillable.

Rob is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Ellen (Popadick), and three children Robert Jr. (Brenda), Kara (Sam Skinner) and Ross (Alicia). His seven grandchildren: Carter, Campbell, Sam, Laney, Taylor, Hannah and Bodie were the apple of his eye and they will miss all his Poppi-isms, commentary, advice, singing and playful ribbings.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12th from 4-7 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 13th at 10 am at Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Rd, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. Burial will be private. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, https://diabetes.org/ or Alzheimer's New Jersey, https://www.alz.org.