Robert John Pitek

Robert John Pitek

Wyckoff - Pitek, Robert John, age 74, of Wyckoff, N.J. entered into eternal rest peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 16, 2021. Robert ("Bob") was predeceased by his parents, John and Wilhelmina (nee Michielsen). He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Lorraine (nee Vervaet) and his loving daughter Stacey and son-in-law Kevin Beirne and son Douglas and daughter-in-law Kelly-Anne (Rainato) and grandchildren Ryder and Brayden. Dearest cousin of Raymond (Linda) Pitek and Susan Westra.

Bob was a longtime resident of Wyckoff where he settled with Lorraine to raise their family, after starting their life together first in Fair Lawn. Bob served the country honorably in the US Navy, travelling the waterways of the western Pacific aboard the USS Serrano, including during the conflict in Vietnam. Although he rarely spoke of his efforts during the war, it was clear that Bob was tremendously proud of the heroics of so many in the face of such danger, often at such young ages. Bob held a special place in his heart for all who served our country. After returning home from the military, Bob embarked on a thirty-year career as a lineman with Bell Telephones, which ultimately became Lucent Technologies. After retirement, with his wife Lorraine, Bob leveraged the skills he had learned to launch their own small business installing and repairing telephone systems; and, although he ultimately retired from the business, he never stopped sharing his knowledge as the "go-to" for all technical questions. Bob was happiest spending his later years side-by-side with Lorraine, often times surrounded by family at the Jersey Shore or celebrating holidays and special occasions around the dinner table (or a poker table!). He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all.

In light of current circumstances, services will be private, however a memorial celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date for all family and friends. Arrangements by Vander Plaat-Caggiano Funeral Home, Fair Lawn, NJ www.vpfairlawn.com. Donations in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Ashley Rose Foundation, 34 Club Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758, would be appreciated.