Robert Bernabe

Bridgewater, NJ

Robert Bernabe, 81 of Bridgewater, NJ, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Born in Somerville, NJ, raised in Raritan, Bob resided in Somerville for three years before moving to Bridgewater 53 years ago.

Bob graduated from Somerville High School, class of 1959. From there, he went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Glassboro State College and Master's Degree in Fine Arts from Montclair State University.

Mr. Bernabe taught art at Bridgewater High School East for 38 years before his retirement in 2001. He was the boys' and girls' tennis coach at B.R.H.S. East for 38 years and won 550 matches. He led the boys' team to the Central Jersey Group III Championship and Group III State Championship with a 25-1 record. He led the girls' team to three State Championships along with the Central Jersey Group II State Championship. Bob was named Coach of the Year and was inducted into the New Jersey State Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1983. Just recently, in October 2022, he received the distinguished honor of being inducted into the Bridgewater Hall of Fame for his tennis achievements. In 1986 Bob coached the high school golf team, along with Mr. Jim Parks.

Bob was a member of Boy Scout Troop #93 of Raritan and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in May 1957. Bob remained the only Eagle Scout in Raritan until 2010. He spent time at local camps along with attending National Boy Scout Jamboree activities in Valley Forge, PA.

He was an avid collector of vintage Disney toys and memorabilia and attended many toys shows and annual conventions around the country. Along with being an avid golfer and tennis player, he enjoyed the arts, travel, and a great love of jazz. Bob also started his own sign business and designed and constructed signs for various companies in the area.

The Giants were his passion along with being a true Yankee fan. Though not a big fan of the sand or water, he did love spending quality time with his family at their beach house in Seaside Park, NJ.

He is preceded in death by his parents Julia and Morris Bernabe.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Jane Meszaros Bernabe, his son Scott Bernabe of Doylestown, PA, his daughter Alissa and her husband Bill Ryan of Cherry Hill, NJ, a brother Donald and his wife Royce Bernabe of Seaside Park, NJ, two sisters, RoseMary Fleming of Branchburg, NJ, Doreen and husband Thom Agliata of Hampton, NJ, and four cherished grandchildren, Emily, Abigail, Jessica and Erin.

Committal is private.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's memory to WBGO Newark Jazz station.

https://www.wbgo.org 54 Wayne Shorter Way Newark, NJ 07102