Robert Raspanti

Robert Salvatore Raspanti, 67, of Paramus, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, while surrounded by his beloved family.
Robert lives eternally in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be remembered as the cherished husband of 45 years to Patricia Raspanti (O'Keefe); loving father of Daniel Raspanti and his wife Allison, Deirdre Capsouras and her husband Dave, Matthew Raspanti and his wife Nora and Morgan Raspanti and her partner Jacob Spetzler; beloved Poppy of nine grandchildren: Alyssa, Kaiden, Mackenna, Zack, Grayson, Emma Rose, Charlotte, Porter, and Genevieve; loving brother of Michael Raspanti, Thomas and his wife Li Raspanti, Lisa Urmanowicz, and Richard and his wife Jennifer Raspanti; dear son of the late Louis and Lucille Raspanti.
Formerly of Ridgefield Park, Robert graduated from RPHS in 1975. He earned an Associate in Science from Bergen Community College in 1979 and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Long Island University in 1982. In that same year Robert earned the title of Registered Pharmacist of the State of New Jersey. Before retiring in April 2023, he worked as a pharmacist with CVS for over 40 years. He took pride in being a healthcare professional because it allowed him to make a difference in people's lives. As a supervisor and pharmacist, he enjoyed managing, teaching and mentoring.
Outside of work, Robert enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, sharing meals, listening to classic rock, going on vacations, and being in nature. Robert met his wife Patricia at 20 years old and loved her ever since. As he wrote in cards for every occasion:"Patty Ann, I'll love you until the stars in the skies become you and I".
Robert was a loyal friend, whose best friends had been in his life since grade school. He was a creative problem solver, who took joy in learning to fix things, maintaining a beautiful home and yard for his family and friends to gather. Robert supported his children in their learning and growth at every stage, expanding the role of father to that of coach, teacher and friend. He brought them on an array of adventures, sharing his love of the outdoors and travel. Robert believed deeply in personal development. He worked on it throughout his life and in his early 50's, this energy turned towards health. He pursued a variety of athletic endeavors, including kickboxing classes, cycling and The Spartan Race. He was active, engaged, and loved to play with his grandchildren, who will affectionately remember him as Poppy. He laughed with ease, embraced selflessness, offered support and shared love to all those who knew him.
Robert was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in April 2023. Around the time of his diagnosis a few symbols and phrases became significant to him. One of which was the evergreen tree, a symbol of everlasting love and reminder of his wedding song. Another, was CAVU, an aviation phrase meaning 'Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited'. His mantra became 'don't worry, be happy', symbolized by a bracelet he wore from his last anniversary trip to Jamaica in November 2023.
He faced his diagnosis with positivity and bravery. As he wrote in 2023 to discuss the prognosis with his children: "the reason I am at peace with my future is that, for some reason, I feel I have a new lease on life. I can be happy and I can stop worrying about all the stresses in my life. My plan for now is to focus on my family. And for Pat and I to focus on us. So we can make the most of whatever good days I will have". That is exactly what he did.
Almost immediately following his 11:00 am passing, the gray skies brightened. That evening his loved ones gazed up at a harvest moon, an astrological phenomenon that transcended coincidence, and felt it radiate his love back to earth.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Our Lady of the Visitation R.C. Church 234 N. Farview Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Robert's memory may be made to Brain Cancer Research through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at mskcc.convio.net/goto/RobertRaspanti