Robert C. Stocker
Connellsville
Robert C. Stocker, better known as “Jersey Bob” of Connellsville, formerly of Seaside Park, N.J., passed away peacefully, on Friday, December 13, 2024, with his loving family by his side.
He was born January 5, 1950, to the late Elwood Stocker and Rita Flanagan De Lotto. Although we are deeply saddened for our loss, our hearts are full of joy knowing that Bob is now at rest with our dear mother, Rita, who I’m sure was waiting with open arms.
Bob attended St. Joseph High School, in Toms River, N.J. and later graduated in 1968 from Immaculata High School in Somerville, N.J. after relocating.
It came as no surprise to anyone, considering Bob’s strong love and dedication to family and his country, that at the age of 18, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, during the height of the Vietnam War. Throughout his life, Bob put his heart and soul into everything he attempted to do. He didn’t know the meaning of the word, “halfway.” Thus, while during his training at Paris Island, S.C., we were proud to be present when Bob was honored as the top cadet in his platoon and awarded his “dress blues.”
Bob had a strong love for the Corps that never ceased. During his many trips to the VA Medical Facility in Pittsburgh, since his traumatic brain injury in 1994, he continued to be of service to his fellow veterans, whether it be a smile, kind word, an amen, feel better soldier or Semper Fi!
Upon discharge from the Marine Corps in 1970, Bob played a very important role in safeguarding the tourists at the Jersey shore in his hometown by becoming a member of the Jersey Shore Beach Patrol Unit, as an ocean lifeguard. Bob’s expert training as a Marine and strong swimming skills made him an excellent candidate for the job. Bob once told me, “the stress of the lives he saved over those few years he served as a guard, were offset by the perks of meeting some good looking, bikini clad women.” That was our Bob!
Along with his job as a guard and the help of the GI Bill, Bob put himself through College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, from Montclair State University, Montclair, N.J.
Anyone that knows Bob, knows that his heart was worn on his sleeve, so it was no surprise that he accepted a position to help others, as a Social Worker, for the Department of Family Services in Ocean County, N.J. A job he found both rewarding and heartbreaking at the same time.
Being the “free spirit” he always was, a desk couldn’t hold him forever and Bob acquired his CDL License and became a truck driver until his desire to be near family brought him to Pennsylvania in 2001. He began his life here working at Flynn’s Tavern, on the South Side, where he could put his “culinary” skills to use, and later bartended for the Slovak Club and Checkered Flag, until he was hit by a car in 1994, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. He never let that hold him back. He continued to fight to do whatever he could independently right up until the end.
We will cherish the many happy memories of visiting uncle Bob at his Jersey Shore home: swimming, water skiing and the boardwalk. Uncle Bob, always considered the “cool uncle,” was a lover of life, the seashore, the Corps, his dog, Bandit, whom he missed terribly, cooking and most of all his family.
Bob was predeceased by stepfather, Michael Babbitt and Chelsea Delotto, whom he loved dearly.
Left behind to mourn his loss: sister, Elaine Gunderson (Rodney) of Connellsville; brother, Michael Stocker (Christine) of Durham, N.C.; nephews and niece: Robert C. Vennum (Jenna) of Latrobe, Matthew S. Vennum (Trisha) of Mount Pleasant, Lindsay Vennum Smith (Dustin) of Huntersville, N.C. and Jeff Stocker (Deborah) of Greenville, N.C.; great-nephews and great-niece: Damian Vennum (Rebecca), Zane Vennum, Mason Vennum, Jaxson Vennum, Aiden Vennum, Devin Vennum and Larkin Elaine Smith; and two great-great-nephews, Lane and Easton.
There will be no public viewing. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 111 E, Green St., Connellsville, Pa. from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of services with Rev. Brian Swan officiating. Interment will follow in St. Rita’s Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Connellsville VFW and American Legion Honor Guard.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the staff of Eicher’s Family Home and Amedisys Hospice for their excellent and devoted care of Bob during his final illness.
To offer condolence or remembrance, please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com