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GARFIELD, N.J. -- Robert Held, 89, of Garfield, died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.
“Uncle Bob,” as he was fondly known to many, was born in Hackensack, the youngest son of Helen and William Held.
He was predeceased by his wife Gertraud Ruth and brother George.
He is survived by his sister, Irene Austin of Newfoundland; nieces Barbara Bliss (Keith) of New Milford, Cathy Spagnolo (Mark) of Newfoundland, and nephew Richard Austin (Elaine) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
An avid baseball player during his years at Hackensack High School, Held was humbled and proud to be inducted into the Hackensack High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his talent and contribution to the team.
Immediately following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country with honor in the Pacific.
The majority of his career was spent at the Guarantee Supermarket in Hackensack as assistant manager, where he was well-respected by his employees and customers, followed by a short stint at Foodtown.
Upon retiring in 1979, he continued to pursue his love of sports by golfing, bowling, playing horseshoes and shuffleboard way into his later years, until his health slowed him down. He was an active member and one-time president of the Maywood Athletic Club, as well as a dedicated member of the Maywood American Legion Post #142.
He also loved to work out at the gym, read history books and solve word puzzles, as well as take long rides in his cherished car.
The family will receive visitors from 3-7 p.m. Sunday at the Trinka-Faustini Funeral Home, 439 Maywood Ave., Maywood. A funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 400 Maywood Ave., Maywood with burial to follow at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Maywood Athletic Club or the Maywood American Legion, Post #142.
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