Obituary of Robert Ribar

RIBAR, Robert "Bob" of Allendale, NJ formally of Ridgefield Park and Union City passed away quietly at home on March 9th, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with stomach cancer at the age of 53. Bob grew up in Union City where he attended St. Joseph's Grammar School. He was a 1971 graduate of St. Joseph's High School in West New York, NJ. He went on to attend Rutgers Newark where he majored in art. As a self employed photographer, Bob had the flexibility to stay at home and take a huge role in raising his son Robert. A man ahead of his time he was "Mr. Mom". There was hardly a school event that Bob wouldn't attend without his camera ready. He was school photographer, served on PTA boards, went on class trips and when Robert began acting in school plays, Bob would be at school with hammer in hand helping build sets and once again taking pictures. Besides his loving family there was another love in Bob's life; fly fishing, conservation and the environment. Bob was a lifetime member of East Jersey Trout Unlimited and for the last several years served on the EJTU executive board as First Vice President. As head of their educational programs, he instructed both fly tying and fly casting classes through EJTU at the Paramus Community School for Adult Education. In addition, Bob was a volunteer for the State of New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. He gave countless hours at the Pequest Hatchery sharing his love of fly fishing and conservation. Bob is survived by his wife of almost 31 years, Barbara (nee Hams) and his adoring son Robert. Son of Marie Ribar and the late Emil Ribar of Weehawken, NJ. Son-in-law of Tom and Marilyn Hams of Harrington Park. Beloved brother of John Ribar of Pompano Beach, FL. Brother-in-law of Marilyn and Jack Stankiewicz of Harrington Park, NJ and Tom and Wendy Hams of Gilbert, AZ. Uncle to Christopher and Bryan Stankiewicz and Thomas and Nathaniel Hams. He is also survived by many cousins and an endless number of friends who will miss him deeply. Family and friends are invited to visit Sunday, March 11th 7-9 PM and Monday, March 12th 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the VanderPlaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue,Wycoff. Funeral mass Tuesday, March 13th 11 AM Church of the Epiphany 55 George St. Allendale, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Church of the Epiphany Bob Ribar Memorial Fund at 55 George St. Allendale, NJ 07401. www.vpfh.com