Robert Grote, 80, of Brick, passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2014 surrounded by the love of his family. Born to the late Frank and Louise Grote, he grew up in Elizabeth, lived in Union for many years and moved to Fanwood where he raised his own family and lived there for 30 years. He and his wife, Joanne, then retired to Brick over thirty years ago.
Robert was a proud graduate of Rutgers University Class of 1956. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity as well as the Rutgers Glee Club. Upon graduation, he was an avid supporter of the Rutgers football and basketball teams. Additionally, he served as Alumni Class of ’56 President and was recognized as a Loyal Son of Rutgers.
He was the former President of Olympic Insurance Associates. Mr. Grote proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Captain.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank Grote, Jr. and Walter Grote, and his beloved wife of 49 years Joanne Siegel Grote in 2005.
Surviving are his loving children, Betsy Ann Lozito and husband Mike, Robert Grote and wife Christine, and Tracy Fritsche and husband Joe, his cherished grandchildren, Robby, Matthew, Joseph, Emma, and Megan, his brother William Grote, his loving friend JoAnne Burns, and his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Bob had the ability to light up a room with his presence and his smile. His first priority was his family and his greatest achievement was being a loving Dad and PopPop. He touched so many lives and was loved and cherished by so many. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00PM at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 1st at St. Mary by the Sea Church, 804 Bay Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, Illinois 60611 or to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 14 Commerce Drive Suite 301, Cranford, NJ 07016
For directions and condolences, please visit www.OBrienFuneralHome.com