Robert E. Gut

Robert ”Bob” Eugene Gut ,age 88, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on December 14, 2020.

Bob was born in 1932 to Antonina and Frank Gut in Passaic, NJ. He grew up in Garfield when the family purchased a home on Hudson St. Bob attended Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic where he was a member of the football, basketball and baseball team earning varsity letters all four years and All State honors as well as being captain of each sport. When he was 16, he met the love of his life Florence Serafin at CYO dance. They were married in 1955, and enjoyed a wonderful 65 year marriage. He affectionately called her Flocha and his “Baba” and their love story flourished for all to admire.

Upon graduation from high school, Bob accepted a full football scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he played offensive center and defensive linebacker. He was a sixty minute man playing both sides and was a part of a defense that in 1952 was number one in the nation. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and went to Germany to fulfill his ROTC commitment. His wife joined him in 1955 and there their daughter Karen was born. In 1960 they moved to the “country” from Garfield to Wayne and were founding members of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church.

Bob was known for always being on the go with his cherished wife Florence. Be it Aruba, Europe, cruising, a Giant's game, an athletic dinner or LBI summer vacations. They especially loved their weekly trips to Atlantic City where a one night stay would often become three.

 In 1956, Bob returned from Germany and began his professional career teaching physical education, science and driver's education in the Paterson School System at School 21, Central and John F. Kennedy High School until his retirement in 2007. . While teaching at Kennedy, he became the head coach of football, golf, track and tennis. In 1974 his JFK football team had its first undefeated season, going 9-0 and participated in the first state playoffs.

 In 1979, Bob became the Athletic Director at Kennedy High, which under his leadership in the 1980s and 90s, became known as ``Championship High.'' The Boys Basketball team won four County titles in a row, and a sectional title; the Girls team won five straight county titles and the Tournament of Champions. Championships, League and Sectional titles were also won by the Track, Cross Country, Soccer, Baseball and Football teams. As Athletic Director, Mr. Gut has organized the annual John F. Kennedy All Sports Awards Dinner, and he was involved in the creation of the Central-Kennedy Athletic Hall of Fame

In 2000, Bob was named a Passaic County ``Player of the Century'' by the Bergen Record and the Herald News. Coach and athletic director Paul Kelly called Bob, ``the greatest athlete he ever coached--bar none,''

 Bob's professionalism has extended beyond Passaic County. He served for 20 years on the Advisory Board and Eligibility Committee of the NJSIAA governing body and was the chairperson of the Eligibility Committee for 10 years. He served 28 years as the Chairperson of Bowling in the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League. He has long been a high school referee and umpire and served as President of the Tri-County Basketball Officials Association. He also volunteered his time for Passaic County Coaches Association, the Old Timers Association of Greater Paterson, and The Do-Good House.

He received numerous recognition throughout his career including being inducted into the Hall of Fame of Old Timers Athletic Association, Central-Kennedy and the Director of Athletics NJ.

Sportsmanship has always been his first priority for his players, coaches, and the fans. Bob was proudest of ``Sportsmanship Awards,'' and the NNJIL Sportsmanship banners that Kennedy High continuously won while he was Athletic Director.  He felt sports developed strong moral and ethical standards. His coaching peers across the state nicknamed him ``The Monsignor.''

Whether you knew him as Dad, Pop, Uncle, teacher, coach or monsignor, he will be remembered for his great love of family and his strong moral presence. He was loved by many and respected by all.

Bob was the beloved husband of the late Florence Gut(2020), loving father of Karen Giblin, and her husband Jim of Wayne. He is the cherished grandfather of James Giblin and his wife Victoria of Colonia and Kristen Giblin of Verona NJ.  He leaves great grandchildren Charlotte and James. He is predeceased by siblings Nellie Hetel(2016), Stanley Gut(1979) and Eugene Gut (1976).

Memorial donations to the Do-Good House 195 Union Boulevard, Totowa NJ would be greatly appreciated.