Robert J Nilan

Robert James Nilan (Bob), at the age of 91, passed away peacefully at home in Colonia, lovingly nursed by his son Bobby, and surrounded by his daughters Linda and Julianne, and beloved wife of 62 years, Mary (née Morkevich). He is survived by his granddaughter Fionnuala and grandson Declan Reagan. Bob was predeceased by his parents Patsy and Julia (née Menton, who made him a Dodgers and ultimately a Mets fan), siblings Clement, Sis Sorochen, Frank, and William, and son-in-law Joseph Reagan, (all Mets fans). He is survived and will be missed by countless nieces and nephews (mostly Mets fans).

Bob was born in Bayonne, and graduated from Bayonne High School, Saint Peter’s College, and NYU with a Masters in Education. He received the Purple Heart serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea.

He taught English at Johnson Regional High School in Clark, and was Dean of Admissions at Saint Peter’s College for 25 years. He was proud of being elected President of the NJ Association of Admissions Counselors in 1972.

Bob met his wife Mary bowling, and in their competitive spirit they were a perfect pair, Presidents of the Country Promenaders Square Dance Club of Edison, and golfing at the West Nine Golf Course in South Plainfield, and President and his right hand of the Colonia Seniors of Saint John Vianney where Bob has served with joy as a Lector for 25 years.

Playing for 30 years at the West Nine course in the South Plainfield Golf League, Bob reported their play in sparkling detail in his weekly column for The South Plainfield Observer.

Bob was an active member of the VFW for over 30 years, and Senior Commander of the South Plainfield Post. He was in his seventh term serving at the Colonia VFW Post 6061 as Chaplain.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 15, from 5:00 to 8:00 at Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison, NJ. Funeral Mass Thursday, May 16, at 11:00 AM, Saint John Vianney Church, 420 Inman Avenue, Colonia, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saint John Vianney Church.

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