Robert Lewis, 96, Beloved Father,
Grandfather, Westfield Crossing Guard

Robert Lewis, affectionately known as Mr. Bob, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains. He was born 96 years ago in Newark, New Jersey, moved to Union at age eleven, spent time in the U.S. Navy, and then after a couple of short stops, ended up in Westfield, where he lived for nearly half of his life, and where he enjoyed the best times of his life.

Mr. Bob was an excellent chef, a skilled Mr. Fix-It, a Die-Hard Rangers Fan, and an incredibly gifted scroll saw craftsman. He was a longtime member of the Garden State Marquetry Club, and anyone lucky enough to receive a scroll saw, holiday ornament or graduation name plate cherished that gift. Most importantly, he was a school crossing guard at Washington School in Westfield, a job that he treasured for over twenty years. There was nothing he loved more than hearing the kids say, “Hi, Mr. Bob” every morning and every afternoon.

Bob is survived by and loved by his son, Keith, and his daughters, Patricia and Barbara, as well as his son-in-law, Russell, and daughter-in-law, Karen. He was blessed with and loved by his four grandchildren, Holly Ivans, TJ Bohach, Kay Morris and Rob Lewis; and his three greatgrandchildren, Charlotte Ivans, Thomas Morris and Joni Bohach. After 96 years, there were a lot of people that left before Bob, but the most important person was the love of his life, Katherine, his soul mate, who left him eight years ago this month. I’m sure that right now they are dancing to Glenn Miller. Visitation for friends and relatives will be at the Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Avenue West, Cranford, N.J., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and later from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home, followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Mr. Bob’s name to Animal Friends or any animal rescue charity of your choice. Bob always thought that some of the best people he ever met were the ones that had four legs and a tail.

January 30, 2025