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July 15, 2014
Services
Friends may visit at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 21st at 9:30am from the funeral home, then to Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne where at 10:30am a Funeral Mass will be offered. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.
Congressman Robert A. Roe of Wayne, NJ and Green Pond, NJ passed away peacefully on July 15th, 2014 at his home.
Robert was born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey to his loving parents Lillian and Robert, Sr. of Wayne. After enjoying a gracious childhood in what was a quiet Wayne in those days, Robert attended Pompton Lakes High School and graduated with the class of 1942. He got his first taste of serving the community as a camp counselor at Camp Altaha in Stillwater, NJ. Looking to pursue his passions, Robert enrolled far from home at Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he majored in engineering and later at Washington State University in Pullman where he, more notably, majored in political science. Driven by his patriotism, Robert decided to place his education on the back burner in favor of fighting for his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in February of 1943. While serving in the European Theater, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exemplary service in ground combat action, as well as other military decorations. Robert returned to school after receiving an honorable discharge in 1946 to complete his degrees.
Robert began serving the local public in a major capacity in 1955 as a Committeeman of Wayne Township. In 1956, Mr. Roe ran for, and was elected as, the Mayor of Wayne. He served as Mayor for five years until 1961. Robert continued his political rise to the county level as a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Passaic County in 1959. In 1962, he was elevated to Freeholder Director, a position he held until 1963. Thereafter, Robert took to State government, joining Governor Hughes’ cabinet as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Conservation of Economic Development Department. During his six-year tenure, he drafted legislation to create the New Jersey National Land Trust, as well as purchasing and preserving The Skylands Manor, under the Green Acres program, for all to enjoy.
In 1969, United States Congressman Charles S. Joelson resigned his seat, leaving a Congressional vacancy in New Jersey that required a special election. Robert Roe was elected to the 91st Congress of the United States House of Representatives to represent New Jersey’s 8th district, beginning his term on November 4th, 1969. Congressman Roe was subsequently re-elected as the incumbent in each election up until 1992 when he chose not to run for re-election. While serving his state in Washington D.C., Congressman Roe served as the Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology from 1987 to 1991, as well as the Chairman of the Committee of the Public Works and Transportation from 1991 until his retirement in 1993. His signature piece of legislation was the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 which has served as the basis for many federal transportation bills since. While serving the Committee of Science, Space, and Technology, he also held seats on the Energy and Research subcommittee as well as the Energy Development and Applications subcommittee. As a member of these committees, Robert played a key role in returning the US to space after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, with the successful launch of space shuttle Discovery in 1988, as well as working to improve the safety and status of the space program. While serving on the Committee of Public Works and Transportation, he also served as the Chairman of the Water Resources House Subcommittee as well as being a member of the Oversight and Review subcommittee and the Economic Development subcommittee. His congressional work continued on the House Select Committee on Aging and a six-year term on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. After his retirement announcement in 1992 and his subsequent retirement in 1993, Congressman Roe continued to work as a consultant in his various areas of expertise.
During his time in public office, Robert was recognized by countless organizations for his outstanding service. He was awarded six honorary doctorate degrees from American universities including Rutgers State University and William Paterson College, along with over 150 other awards, recognitions, and citations. It can be said without question that Congressman Robert Roe loved his country and took great joy in upholding the Constitution for not only his constituents but all his fellow countrymen.
Outside of Government, Robert had a passion for his Irish heritage as well as for the Roman Catholic Church. He was a financial and moral supporter of Pontifical University, the National Major Seminary, and the Irish Church. Robert took great appreciation of his Irish forefathers as he often paid tribute to them and his families time in Ireland. In the 1840’s Robert’s Great Grandfather, Peter Roe, left Laois, Ireland and immigrated to the United States. Robert enjoyed visiting St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Ireland and was a proud member of the “Friends of Maynooth,” dedicated to the restoration and upkeep of the college. He laid the first heritage stone in the Heritage Wall at the college, which pays tribute to his Irish ancestors. He has encouraged his surviving family members to visit the wall in honor of their forefathers as well. His dedication to St. Patrick’s College and Irish Heritage was recognized as he was awarded St. Patrick’s Medal of Honor Citation Award, given to him by His Eminence Cardinal Cahal B. Daley in May of 1997. For 22 years, he attended Maynooth’s Annual National Dinners in New York, always bringing friends and family along in celebration. In 2007, with two weeks notice, Robert attended the elevation of his dear friend His Eminence Cardinal Sean Brady to membership in the Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals over the Thanksgiving holiday. Robert was fondly known for his profound family loyalty and genuine friendship. He was a great humanitarian and ambassador of good will.
Like Ireland, Green Pond held a special place in Robert’s life. After his retirement from Congress, he spent his days at his beautiful house at waters edge. With a wall of windows overlooking the lake, the views over the water and towards the presiding mountains are spectacular. With one look, it becomes evident why he loved spending so much time there. With great attention to detail, the landscaping includes 4,000 tulip bulbs imported yearly from Holland, which he actively tended to among his gardens. He had a fondness for being on the water, whether in a powerboat or sailing along under Mother Nature’s guidance.
In his time away from work and Green Pond, Robert took every opportunity he could to see the world. Traveling to countries near and far, he eventually developed fluency in German, French, and Italian. All along the way, he made it a point to immerse himself into the local cultures and make friends in every corner of the globe.
Robert and his predeceased brother James owned the popular Preakness Valley Swimming and Recreation Pool which is currently owned by the town of Wayne and has since been renamed the James W. Roe Memorial Pool. Robert has also been preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Marriott, and is survived by his nieces Linda Harenburg and her husband Richard (Huntington Beach, CA), Denise Roe (Richmond, KY), Cheri Roe and her partner Terri Hobbs (Tacoma Park, MD), Karen Wright (Louisville, KY), Judy Riley and her husband William (Brownfield, ME), and Kim Taylor and her husband Brad (Woodstock, GA), his nephews; James W. Roe, Jr. and his wife Tracie (Brick, NJ), Robert A. Roe and his wife Irma (Sarasota, FL), Timothy S. Roe and his wife Kerri (Wayne, NJ), and Robert Marriott and his wife Pam (Herndon, VA), his many Grand-nieces and nephews and several Great Grand-nieces and nephews. He will also be fondly remembered by his two loyal and most-trusted assistants; Angela Milazzo and Grace Gurisic. Angela was originally hired at the age of 17 and has been by Robert’s side for sixty five years, from his early rise in government through his retirement at Green Pond. Grace Gurisic aided Robert in his State and Congressional District office in Paterson for many years.
Friends wishing to make a donation in Robert’s memory are asked to please consider “Friends of Maynooth” and mail to Dr. Thomas Ledwith, 436 W. 47th Street, New York, New York 10036 or to the Chilton Hospital Foundation, 97 West Pkwy, Pompton Plains, New Jersey 07444.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 21st at 9:30am from the funeral home, then to Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne where at 10:30am a Funeral Mass will be offered. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.
July 15, 2014
Services
Friends may visit at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 21st at 9:30am from the funeral home, then to Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne where at 10:30am a Funeral Mass will be offered. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.
Congressman Robert A. Roe of Wayne, NJ and Green Pond, NJ passed away peacefully on July 15th, 2014 at his home.
Robert was born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey to his loving parents Lillian and Robert, Sr. of Wayne. After enjoying a gracious childhood in what was a quiet Wayne in those days, Robert attended Pompton Lakes High School and graduated with the class of 1942. He got his first taste of serving the community as a camp counselor at Camp Altaha in Stillwater, NJ. Looking to pursue his passions, Robert enrolled far from home at Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he majored in engineering and later at Washington State University in Pullman where he, more notably, majored in political science. Driven by his patriotism, Robert decided to place his education on the back burner in favor of fighting for his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in February of 1943. While serving in the European Theater, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exemplary service in ground combat action, as well as other military decorations. Robert returned to school after receiving an honorable discharge in 1946 to complete his degrees.
Robert began serving the local public in a major capacity in 1955 as a Committeeman of Wayne Township. In 1956, Mr. Roe ran for, and was elected as, the Mayor of Wayne. He served as Mayor for five years until 1961. Robert continued his political rise to the county level as a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Passaic County in 1959. In 1962, he was elevated to Freeholder Director, a position he held until 1963. Thereafter, Robert took to State government, joining Governor Hughes’ cabinet as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Conservation of Economic Development Department. During his six-year tenure, he drafted legislation to create the New Jersey National Land Trust, as well as purchasing and preserving The Skylands Manor, under the Green Acres program, for all to enjoy.
In 1969, United States Congressman Charles S. Joelson resigned his seat, leaving a Congressional vacancy in New Jersey that required a special election. Robert Roe was elected to the 91st Congress of the United States House of Representatives to represent New Jersey’s 8th district, beginning his term on November 4th, 1969. Congressman Roe was subsequently re-elected as the incumbent in each election up until 1992 when he chose not to run for re-election. While serving his state in Washington D.C., Congressman Roe served as the Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology from 1987 to 1991, as well as the Chairman of the Committee of the Public Works and Transportation from 1991 until his retirement in 1993. His signature piece of legislation was the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 which has served as the basis for many federal transportation bills since. While serving the Committee of Science, Space, and Technology, he also held seats on the Energy and Research subcommittee as well as the Energy Development and Applications subcommittee. As a member of these committees, Robert played a key role in returning the US to space after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, with the successful launch of space shuttle Discovery in 1988, as well as working to improve the safety and status of the space program. While serving on the Committee of Public Works and Transportation, he also served as the Chairman of the Water Resources House Subcommittee as well as being a member of the Oversight and Review subcommittee and the Economic Development subcommittee. His congressional work continued on the House Select Committee on Aging and a six-year term on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. After his retirement announcement in 1992 and his subsequent retirement in 1993, Congressman Roe continued to work as a consultant in his various areas of expertise.
During his time in public office, Robert was recognized by countless organizations for his outstanding service. He was awarded six honorary doctorate degrees from American universities including Rutgers State University and William Paterson College, along with over 150 other awards, recognitions, and citations. It can be said without question that Congressman Robert Roe loved his country and took great joy in upholding the Constitution for not only his constituents but all his fellow countrymen.
Outside of Government, Robert had a passion for his Irish heritage as well as for the Roman Catholic Church. He was a financial and moral supporter of Pontifical University, the National Major Seminary, and the Irish Church. Robert took great appreciation of his Irish forefathers as he often paid tribute to them and his families time in Ireland. In the 1840’s Robert’s Great Grandfather, Peter Roe, left Laois, Ireland and immigrated to the United States. Robert enjoyed visiting St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Ireland and was a proud member of the “Friends of Maynooth,” dedicated to the restoration and upkeep of the college. He laid the first heritage stone in the Heritage Wall at the college, which pays tribute to his Irish ancestors. He has encouraged his surviving family members to visit the wall in honor of their forefathers as well. His dedication to St. Patrick’s College and Irish Heritage was recognized as he was awarded St. Patrick’s Medal of Honor Citation Award, given to him by His Eminence Cardinal Cahal B. Daley in May of 1997. For 22 years, he attended Maynooth’s Annual National Dinners in New York, always bringing friends and family along in celebration. In 2007, with two weeks notice, Robert attended the elevation of his dear friend His Eminence Cardinal Sean Brady to membership in the Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals over the Thanksgiving holiday. Robert was fondly known for his profound family loyalty and genuine friendship. He was a great humanitarian and ambassador of good will.
Like Ireland, Green Pond held a special place in Robert’s life. After his retirement from Congress, he spent his days at his beautiful house at waters edge. With a wall of windows overlooking the lake, the views over the water and towards the presiding mountains are spectacular. With one look, it becomes evident why he loved spending so much time there. With great attention to detail, the landscaping includes 4,000 tulip bulbs imported yearly from Holland, which he actively tended to among his gardens. He had a fondness for being on the water, whether in a powerboat or sailing along under Mother Nature’s guidance.
In his time away from work and Green Pond, Robert took every opportunity he could to see the world. Traveling to countries near and far, he eventually developed fluency in German, French, and Italian. All along the way, he made it a point to immerse himself into the local cultures and make friends in every corner of the globe.
Robert and his predeceased brother James owned the popular Preakness Valley Swimming and Recreation Pool which is currently owned by the town of Wayne and has since been renamed the James W. Roe Memorial Pool. Robert has also been preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Marriott, and is survived by his nieces Linda Harenburg and her husband Richard (Huntington Beach, CA), Denise Roe (Richmond, KY), Cheri Roe and her partner Terri Hobbs (Tacoma Park, MD), Karen Wright (Louisville, KY), Judy Riley and her husband William (Brownfield, ME), and Kim Taylor and her husband Brad (Woodstock, GA), his nephews; James W. Roe, Jr. and his wife Tracie (Brick, NJ), Robert A. Roe and his wife Irma (Sarasota, FL), Timothy S. Roe and his wife Kerri (Wayne, NJ), and Robert Marriott and his wife Pam (Herndon, VA), his many Grand-nieces and nephews and several Great Grand-nieces and nephews. He will also be fondly remembered by his two loyal and most-trusted assistants; Angela Milazzo and Grace Gurisic. Angela was originally hired at the age of 17 and has been by Robert’s side for sixty five years, from his early rise in government through his retirement at Green Pond. Grace Gurisic aided Robert in his State and Congressional District office in Paterson for many years.
Friends wishing to make a donation in Robert’s memory are asked to please consider “Friends of Maynooth” and mail to Dr. Thomas Ledwith, 436 W. 47th Street, New York, New York 10036 or to the Chilton Hospital Foundation, 97 West Pkwy, Pompton Plains, New Jersey 07444.
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