Obituary of Robert R Bogle
It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of Robert R. Bogle. Son, Father, grandfather, entrepreneur and gentleman whose gift of giving and hospitality will carry on for generations.
Robert, known as Bob, started his life in NJ on the 23rd of June, 1942. Early in his life he developed a knack for fixing old cars, keeping him and his younger brother occupied and out of trouble. With no shortage of old cars in Belleville NJ, this budding skill helped the family as his father was off to work and mother was busy as a second-generation entrepreneur. In that day it was unheard of to have both parents out of the home after school so Bob’s eye for restructuring, and reengineering old vehicles with the fastest most powerful motors they could handle was his niche. His attention to detail was unmatched, and his mechanical capabilities grew quickly. Much to his parents’ chagrin, he soon started drag racing on weekends, good clean fun as he told his children of his childhood antics that soon turned into one of his hobbies. He loved riding his Harley Davidsons and cruising in his 1966 Ford Mustang convertible which he restored from the ground up, pristine and perfect like he liked his cars. The vehicle aged and soon became vintage and incredibly beautiful; like Bob did. Always tinkering and waxing his prized possessions. Never putting material objects before his children. Every year adding more and more value just by existing and doing what he did best; Living.
Bob was never one for school or rules, and soon rebelled against the 9 to 5 doldrums, and started his own business in 1977. A heavy machinery company. He worked from the family’s laundry room holding down two jobs to make ends meet for his then three children. He was blue collar through and through but did what it would take to provide for a growing family. He was very patriotic and loved his country with all his heart, proudly flying the American Flag in every owned or rented property he spent time in. Wanting the best education and environment for his children and at the urging of his wife, the family moved to Basking Ridge NJ. This was a big change for the family but allowed everyone to embrace the new environment and excel. The family also doubled in size and grew to six happy, healthy children. Bob instilled in his six children values, first and foremost, that family comes before everything and as siblings we must stick together through thick and thin. He was sowing the beginnings of his legacy. Meanwhile, his business became well established and successful, and was turned over to his eldest son, who also employs his two sons.
Bob was very generous and always wanted everyone to enjoy themselves through his hospitality. He experienced this as a child as his parents would host family holidays, parties and vacations and make sure everyone was included. There was never a shortage of food, fun and laughter in the family. Once Bob started a family of his own, he continued the tradition. As his family grew, and his children got older, he began renting a house in Long Beach Island every summer. It was his mission to accommodate his children, and dozens of their friends every summer, which grew larger by the year. He would go out of his way to ensure every single person was stoked for each day. This is when he was in his element, he truly enjoyed making people happy.
Unbeknownst to Bob; he was forming the minds of all these young adults, family and friends, to understand what it meant to feel included, accepted and welcome. As his children, and children’s friends have created their own families, Bob’s life lessons have been effectively passed on to the next generation. He did this with ease his entire life. If anyone took the time to travel and spend time with him, his accommodations were theirs, and nothing was asked in return but to thoroughly relax, grow and enjoy the excitement of the week ahead. Most days were spent playing it by ear, where he would watch from the sidelines, taking pictures, belly laughing at the overzealous, overly competitive, paddle ball competitions going on throughout the day. So many enjoying themselves as he watched with love, as this group of kids grew into the men and women they are today with children of their own. A selfless man who held this special gift of hospitality. He also ensured the parents of friends were made comfortable, and able to join in on the fun. He kept everyone safe, fed, and hydrated. He spent hours in the kitchen preparing meals for 25 or more in between the banter and laughter of those in his care. He was a friend to his children’s friends but with the emotional boundary of being mentor and father to all.
Bob is survived by his now five children and six grandchildren: Son Robert (wife Barbara), Daughter Laurie (“Missy”), Daughter Kristie, Son Bryan (wife Ashley) and Son Jeffrey. He is now reunited in Heaven with his youngest Son Kevin, who passed away in May. His six grandchildren are Robert (wife Danielle), Gregory, Victoria (fiancé Liam McCann), Kyla, Keenan, and the apple of his eye, Tommy. Bob is also survived by the mother of his children, Lorraine, with whom he remained friends throughout the years to the end. He will also be missed by his younger brother Tim, nieces, nephews and multiple surviving cousins.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in January or February of 2023. Family and friends will be notified as soon as the date is set. We appreciate everyone’s patience.
