Robert Zoda

Robert Zoda Sr. (Bob), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated firefighter, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 3, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born on December 27, 1947, in Trenton, New Jersey, Bob lived a remarkable life marked by unwavering devotion to his family and service to his community. He proudly served in the United States Navy from April 25, 1966, until his honorable discharge on December 27, 1970. During the Vietnam War, he served as a Frogman and attained the rank of BT3.
Following his military service, Bob dedicated 30 years to the Trenton Fire Department. Throughout his career, he served in several capacities, including arson investigator and Fire Marshal, before retiring as a Fire Captain. His bravery, leadership, and commitment to protecting others left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the community he faithfully served.
Bob was truly a jack of all trades, always eager to learn and try something new. From carpet cleaning and wallpaper hanging to running a tanning salon, he never sat still and never backed down from a challenge. He was affectionately known as the family "EMT," always ready to help with unexpected injuries. Bob enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and hosting family picnics, and he especially cherished being surrounded by those he loved.
Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was the son of the late Umberto and Florence (Paone) Zoda; father of the late Ericka Zoda; brother of the late Frank and Alphonse "Sonny" Zoda; brother-in-law of the late Fulvia Cattani, Chuck Ancelo, Jerry DeBlasio, and Nick Bender; and a dear friend of the late Chet Hammond.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marie (Zulla) Zoda; his four beloved children: Stacy and her husband Frank Cioffredi, Patricia and her husband Andrew Bernstein, Sherry and her husband Jack Williams, and Robert Zoda Jr. and his wife Michele; and his nine cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Michael, Christopher, Brianna, Shane, Kylee, Shawna, Emily, and Aidan. He is also survived by his sister, Rose Marie DeBlasio; brothers-in-law Alphonse Zulla and his wife Kathy, Dino Cattani, and Antonio Zulla and his wife Linda; sisters-in-law Maria and her husband Mauro Matteucci, Carmela Bender, and Angie Ancelo; his good friends Lenny Carmichael Jr., Cy Masterpole, Charlie Dale, and Donald Jones Jr.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hamilton Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 2365 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton Township, New Jersey.