Robert J. Pacca, Sr.

Robert J. Pacca, Sr., age 83, of Oak Ridge, NJ and Jupiter, FL, and a former long-time resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home in the loving presence of his beloved wife Barbara, on Sunday, January 10, 2021.

Born and raised in Paterson, Bob was a graduate of St. John’s Catholic High School with the Class of 1955. A few weeks later, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from June, 1955 until April, 1959. After that he remained in the Navy Reserves until 1963. Bob’s primary role in the Navy was that of a machinist on board the U.S.S. Waccamaw (AO-109) – a Navy replenishment oiler. His years in the Navy included a tour to Antarctica where he was involved in setting up a scientific base. Bob was proud to serve and truly enjoyed his time of service.

Upon return to civilian life, Bob attended Seton Hall University where in 1963 he earned and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. While working for various public accounting firms, Bob persevered with his studies and earned certification as a CPA in 1971. He transitioned to the private corporate sector and eventually worked his way up the corporate ladder to treasurer and vice president.

Between full-time work and caring for his family, Bob always found time to serve his community. He was Past President of the Wayne Board of Education where he volunteered his accounting expertise from 1971 to 1976. Enjoying that so much, he decided to run for the office of councilman in Wayne and served in that role from 1976 to 1984. After that, he became township administrator for the Borough of North Haledon from 1985 to 1996 when he retired from full-time work at the age of 60. In between all these roles Bob served on the Passaic County Community College Board of Directors from 1986 to 1988 and co-owned his own business called Anodizing Corporation.

As a young man, Bob was out with friends one night when he met a pretty, sweet and kind young lady by the name of Barbara Spataro. Soon after, they went on their first official date to New York City to see the premier of a 1963 movie called It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. They soon fell in love and married on Saturday, July 10, 1965 at St. Philip’s Roman Catholic Church in Clifton. After the reception in Lodi, the newlyweds took a road trip throughout New York State and Canada.

Bob and Barbara’s first home as husband and wife was an apartment in Clifton. From there they purchased their first home in the Allwood section of Clifton before moving to Squire Lane in Wayne in 1970. For the next 34 years, Bob and Barbara raised their family in Wayne and Bob served the town. In between, Bob spent much of his leisure time on the golf course with friends. This love of golf ultimately inspired a move in 2004 to a new home in Oak Ridge, close to the Bowling Green Golf Course where Bob served as a ranger and got lots of games in in-between.

Bob and Barbara felt blessed to have been able to enjoy travel. In all, they traveled to six different continents spending time in a vast amount of countries, including many that Bob had visited during his Navy days. They also blessed their four grandchildren by taking each one of them, individually, for their twelfth birthday to a destination of their choice. Kaitlyn chose Canada, Jocelyn chose Yellowstone Park and Mount Rushmore, Michael chose the Grand Canyon, and Abigail chose Costa Rica. In between, Bob and Barbara enjoyed over 30 years at their second home in Jupiter, FL. Bob loved Florida where he could play golf. He also enjoyed attending mass in Florida at St. Christopher Church in Hobe Sound.

Bob was a dearly-loved husband and a wonderful role model to his son and daughter and grandchildren. He was always happy and ever ready to help anyone in their time of need. His family is grateful for his life and, while they will miss him so very much, they are glad that his suffering is over and he’s at peace.

Bob was the beloved husband of Barbara (Spataro), blessed in marriage for 55 years. He was the loving father of Robert J. Pacca, Jr. and wife Kirsten of Paoli, PA, and Debra Barmure and husband David of Roxbury, NJ; cherished grandfather of: Kaitlyn and Jocelyn Barmure, and Michael and Abigail Pacca; and dear brother of the late Lester Palla (2012).

Though you presence is deeply appreciated, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob’s family’s concern is for your utmost safety first and they will respect and understand if you choose not to attend services.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Robert’s name are asked to consider the Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438. Please indicate that your gift is in memory and honor of Robert J. Pacca, Sr.