Robert P. Vreeland

Robert P. Vreeland, affectionately known as Bob or Uncle Bobby, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at the age of 88. He was a kind, loving, and generous man whose warm spirit, steady presence, and unforgettable smile touched the lives of all who knew him. Born on June 23, 1937, in Jersey City, Bob was the son of the late William and Margaret Vreeland. He was raised in Jersey City and carried with him throughout his life the values of family, loyalty, and hard work that were rooted in his early years.

Bob worked as a lab technician at the Dixon Pencil Company in Jersey City, where he helped develop the well-known yellow color of pencils. It was also there that he met the love of his life, Glenda. Their meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful marriage that would span 58 devoted years. Together they built a life centered on love, laughter, and family, and they shared countless memories that became treasured stories for generations to come.

After marrying, Bob and Glenda moved to Spotswood, New Jersey, where they created a loving home for themselves and their cherished collie, Candy. Their home became a gathering place for the Vreeland family reunions, and Bob proudly served as the grill master, carefully checking off his list for hamburgers and hot dogs. He was especially known as the king of burnt hot dogs, a title that brought smiles and laughter to family and friends alike. Those reunions reflected the joy Bob found in bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome.

After retiring, Bob and Glenda moved to Dover, Delaware, where they were blessed with many wonderful friends. The family reunions continued there, and Bob and Glenda enjoyed hosting and having the family around them. Even while living in Delaware, they never missed a family milestone, celebration, or party, no matter where it was held or what state it took place in. Their devotion to family was unwavering, and their presence was a constant source of love and support.

Bob and Glenda were also known for their many travels. He enjoyed traveling cross country as co-pilot with his wife, and together they planned road trips across the United States with great enthusiasm. They loved cruises, visiting the Caribbean, spending time at the beach, and celebrating their birthdays in Virginia Beach. They enjoyed many happy hours together with their gin and tonics, and they lived life to the fullest. Bob and Glenda were the proud founders of Room 300, a tradition that will continue to be upheld at the Vreeland family reunions and events.

A communicant of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City, Bob lived his faith quietly and faithfully. He was also a devoted Yankees fan who loved Mickey Mantle and enjoyed watching the games. His interests reflected the simple joys that made his life so full, but above all, family was paramount to him. He was a loving husband, cherished brother, devoted uncle, and proud great uncle whose big smile was contagious and could brighten anyone’s day. His great sense of humor, constant smile, and hearty laugh reminded all who knew him what life was really about.

Following Glenda’s passing in 2024, Bob returned to New Jersey to be near family. He made his home at Brighton Gardens in Middletown, where he enjoyed making new friends and having snacks and vanilla ice cream each day. He considered the Brighton staff and residents to be his family, and he was known as Uncle Bobby to all. He passed peacefully at his home in Brighton Gardens, surrounded by the comfort and care of those who loved him.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Glenda, and his brother Thomas. He is survived by his seven siblings, William, Jr., Richard, James, and John, and his sisters Lenore Kelly, Patricia Ippolito, and Elizabeth Grafje, along with many adored nieces and nephews. His family will remember him always for his kindness, his generosity, his devotion, and the joy he brought into every room.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert P. Vreeland, please visit our floral store.