Robert R. Runz

Robert R. Runz, age 85, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Robert was born and raised in Paterson and was one of three sons to Otto and Dorothy Runz.  When Robert was about thirteen years old his family moved to Vernon Township in Northern New Jersey.  Robert then transferred to Sussex High School and graduated with the class of 1951.  Soon after graduating from Sussex High School, in 1952, Robert felt the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.  During his tour of duty with the USMC he was stationed in Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Japan, as well as Korea.  While in the armed forces, Robert served as a “Magazine Keeper,” involved with the storage of various types of ammunition.  Robert served honorably in the USMC from 1952-1955.

Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Robert attended Pipefitting School.  And after a three year program and one year apprenticeship, Robert was a licensed Pipefitter and found work quickly with the Pipefitters Union Local 265 in Passaic.  Eventually several Pipefitters Unions merged and Robert spent most of his career working out of Local 274 in Parsippany.  Robert’s career as a Pipefitter spanned nearly forty years until his retirement in 1996.  

When Robert arrived home after his discharge from the Marines, his mother Dorothy met him at the airport.  His mom was not alone, she was accompanied by her best friend and her best friend’s daughter.  The daughter was a young attractive lady by the name of Vera Mellon.  Straight from the airport, Robert, his mom, his mom’s best friend, and her daughter went square dancing.  If there was ever a case of “Love at First Sight,” this was it.  Vera and Robert hit it off great, had a romantic three year courtship and on April 7, 1956 they were husband and wife.

Robert and Vera settled in Paterson after first getting married and while living there welcomed their son Mark.  Then in July of 1963 the family moved to Wayne and in 1965 the couple welcomed their second son Glenn.  Vera and Robert remained in Wayne, calling it their home for the next fifty-six years.  Robert and Vera cherished sixty-three years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Robert was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge in the Mountain View Section of Wayne.  He was also a devoted volunteer of the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.  For many years Robert volunteered transporting children to Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia and Boston, MA.  He and his dear friend Norman Walker made countless trips together undertaking the transportation of patients to the hospitals.

Robert was a quiet man and resolute in his beliefs.  One can say that he was the strong silent type.  He was always very straight forward with people and was not given to small talk. If you didn’t really want an honest answer to a question, Robert was not the person you should ask.  Robert was a devoted husband and father.  Every year Robert and the family would pack up and go on road trips.  From as far east as Maine to Wisconsin, and far north as Canada to Virginia.  Robert was a unique and special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be sincerely miss by everyone that knew him.

Robert is survived by his wife Vera (nee Mellon) of Wayne, two sons; Glenn Runz and his wife Sheryl of Myerstown, PA, and Mark Runz of Cedar Grove, two grandchildren; Bryson Runz and Olivia Runz of Myerstown, PA, and one niece Nicole Mahaffey of Anthem, AR.  Robert was predeceased by his two brothers Kenny Runz, and Don Runz.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roberts name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607. http://www.lovetotherescue.org