Robert Ascolese

Robert Donald Ascolese of Lacey Township, formerly of Green Brook Township, died suddenly on August 2nd at Community Hospital in Toms River. He was 77.

Robert was born on November 10, 1948. He grew up in Jersey City and then moved to Clark where he graduated from Arthur L. Johnson High School in 1966.

Affectionately known as Rob, Bob, Bobby, Daddy, and his favorite title, Pop-Pop, Robert was our hero. Strong in mind and body, Rob lived by the motto that actions speak louder than words. He was the type of person who would quite literally give a stranger the shirt off his back. Rob was handsome, thoughtful, helpful, generous, and friendly. He never asked for anything and never expected anything. From family to friends and neighbors, he was always willing to help others and to put their needs before his own.

Rob had an infectious laugh and a contagious sense of humor. Rob had an unmatched work ethic, a characteristic that he passed on to his daughters.

In his working years, he was employed at Maxwell House Coffee Co., Eastern Airlines, and Merck & Co. He was also a proud member of the Merck Fire Department. Rob often worked long hours to provide for his family. Nonetheless, he never complained and always made time for his wife and daughters.

Growing up in Green Brook, some of our happiest childhood memories involved our dad taking us to the park, riding bikes in the neighborhood, swimming in the backyard pool, and MC-ing the best backyard birthday parties. He was the most playful dad and grandfather.

In retirement, Rob and his wife Linda moved to Lacey Township. An active member of their 55 and Older Community, Rob could often be found taking walks around the neighborhood and talking to and helping his neighbors. He enjoyed weekly poker games at the Clubhouse, working out in the Gym, and competing in cornhole competitions. Rob was proud to be a two time Sea Breeze Cornhole Champion!

Rob was known for his healthy lifestyle. He exercised regularly and lifted weights. Rob was a body builder and won the title of Junior Mr. America in 1967. In fact, he was featured in a television biopic on Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was our Superman–no one was stronger than our dad.

Rob adored his grandkids, nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and
nephews. He loved taking his grandchildren to Somerset Patriots and Jersey Shore
Blue Claws games, the New Egypt Speedway, Great Adventure, the beach, and
McDonald’s. The kids could always count on him to get them snacks! Rob enjoyed his
grandchildren’s sporting events, plays, and dance recitals. He often created treasure
hunts for the kids and had fun handing out dollar store prizes to them. You couldn’t
come to his house without being offered a beer, tea, coffee, or dessert. Rob was fun,
funny, and friendly. He was the quintessential good guy.

Rob was predeceased by his parents, Felix and Dorothy Ascolese, to whom he was a devoted son. He is lovingly survived by Linda (nee Salese), his wife of over 50
years, his daughters Michelle Hilke and Laura Ascolese and their husbands John Hilke and Jeff Carryer, his brother Dennis and sister-in-law Mary, his cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Owen, Abigail, and Chloe, his sisters in law Joanne Miskin and Gale Ciccone, and his brother in law Arthur Miskin. Rob also leaves behind many wonderful nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and his faithful puppy Wally.

Our hero is gone from his earthly form, but we will honor him by living like he did,
with a generous and helpful spirit and the ability to tackle life with a sense of humor.
Robert will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Visitation will be at:
Marotti-Burns Funeral Home,
1022 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ on
Friday, August 7th from 4-8 PM. Entombment will be on Saturday, August 8th at 10 AM located at:
Ocean County Memorial Park, 280 Wells Mills Road in Waretown, NJ