Robert F. Bartke

Robert F. Bartke, 86, of Stone Harbor, NJ passed away peacefully on February 28, 2018, surrounded by family. Bob was born in Palisades, NJ, on June 15, 1931. He graduated from Fort Lee High School, NJ in 1949 where, at a school dance, he met the love of his life and future wife of 63 years, Victoria. Bob and Victoria wed in 1954, moved to Clifton, NJ and raised their two daughters, Lynn and Barbara. After raising their children, they retired to Stone Harbor, NJ in 1989. Bob started his sales career at SICPA Inks and eventually moved on to Akzo Nobel Corporation where he became National Sales Manager, retiring in 1999. But that’s where Bob’s story just keeps going. Bob loved his hometown of Stone Harbor, and became active in many volunteer activities, including the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. It was here that Bob committed over 14 years of volunteer service to oversee its revitalization and serve as its Chairman. Bob was also a member of the Property Owners Association of Stone Harbor, and in recognition of his work, received the Stone Harbor Outstanding Citizen award in 2006. Bob’s commitments were not limited only to his work, he thrived in the presence of his grandchildren, daughters, family, friends and cherished his loving wife Vicki. Bob had many hobbies he loved, including gardening, cooking, playing Bocce and watching his favorite sports teams. Bob is survived by his loving wife Victoria of Stone Harbor; daughter Lynn Sichel and her husband Jeffrey of Crosswicks, NJ and their three sons Robert and his wife Whitney, Matthew, and Christopher and great-grand daughter Haven Victoria; daughter Barbara Kelly and her husband Robert of Pittstown, NJ and their three sons Matthew, Daniel and Bryan. A Catholic service will be held at a future date at St Brendan the Navigator, in Stone Harbor, NJ. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Villa Maria by the Sea, 11101 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.