Robert E. Dalton (78), the world’s best dad and grandfather, the most loyal of friends, and accomplished traveler, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 13, 2020.
He was born in Bayonne, NJ to the late Helen and Robert H. Dalton in 1942.
At age 14, Bob met his wife Dolores on Christmas Eve and four years later they eloped to Winston-Salem, North Carolina on May 13th, 1961. They began their family in Bayonne and settled in Colonia where they lived for 29 years. He eventually retired to Osborn Island in Little Egg Harbor Township, where he designed and built his dream home.
Bob attended St. Henry’s Grammar School, Marist High School and St. Peter’s College.
Bob worked for IBM for 33 years, and while proudly serving his country in the Air Force, he worked on the United States’ early missile defense system. After retiring from IBM, he continued to work as an Executive Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). In his retirement, he was still very active in the community serving on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee, the Dredging Committee and as Treasurer of the Osborn Island Association.
Bob seldom had nothing to do. He enjoyed traveling, the beach, dancing, music, reading each and every plaque in a museum, boating and had several other interests that kept him busy. When he wasn’t traveling around the world, he was spending his time with family and friends. He always found time to help and care for everyone around him.
He was a member of the Keyport Yacht Club and enjoyed going there on Friday nights listening to live bands and enjoying the company of fellow members.
He is predeceased by his wife, Dolores, of 55 years.
Surviving are his children Kathleen and her husband Daniel O’Brien of Lincroft, Cynthia and her husband Daniel Emanuele of Bethel Park, PA, Robert C. Dalton of Little Egg Harbor Township, and David and his wife Louisa Dalton of Massapequa Park, NY.
He took extreme pride in his 10 grandchildren: Lyndsay (Jordan), Danielle (Nicholas), Tara (Lily), Shannon (Sumeet), Melissa (Moe), Matthew, Allison, Tessa, Alexander, and Sofia, and three great-grandchildren McKenna, Liam, and Nicholas.
Also surviving are his siblings Mary Romer (James) and Christopher Dalton (Luann), beloved sister-in-law, Lorraine Podraza, cherished nieces and nephews: Mary Anne, Claudine, and James and his dear friend and companion, Barbara McDonald.
Bob left an impression on everyone who knew him and will be forever missed.
Visitation is on Sunday, December 20 from 2pm-6pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd., Holmdel, NJ 07733.
Mass of Christian Burial Monday, December 21 at 10:45 am at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, 82 W 29th St, Bayonne, NJ 07002. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ 07031.
In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a Gin and Tonic in his memory or make memorial contributions in Robert’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org, the National Down Syndrome Society www.ndss.org, or the John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack, NJ www.jtcancercenter.org
To share a favorite memory or send messages of condolence please visit Robert’s Page of Tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
In order to accommodate all the Dalton’s family and their guests, we ask that you please be brief during visitation so that all guests will be able to offer their condolences. Face protection is also required as per state regulations. Thank you for your kindness during this difficult time for all.