Robert W. Bucco, Jr., 70, passed away peacefully at Jersey Shore University Medical Center with his family by his side after a 3-year courageous battle with cancer. Born in Matawan, New Jersey, he was the oldest son to Robert, Sr. and Madeline Bucco. Known to his family and friends as Bob, he led a life focused on family, faith and hard work. He was the first in his family to go to college. He attended Middlesex County College and then went out to Nebraska University to complete his education and become a Civil Engineer. Bob fell in love with the mid-west at a young age when he would go and visit his grandparents who lived in Iowa in the summer as a child. His love for Nebraska (Go Huskers) never left him.

Bob had a successful career as a civil engineer, focusing on the needs of municipalities throughout the state. He served many towns as their engineer, but the one he was most proud of was being named the engineer of his hometown Matawan.

He met his wife, Aphrodite, by luck in 1983 at a karate class and they were married on June 23, 1984. Bob married into a warm and welcoming Greek family, and he embraced and adopted their culture and religion. He was an active member of Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Holmdel, where he served on the Parish Council, Festival Committee and building expansion. He was honored by the Metropolis of New Jersey in 2013 for his contribution to the Greek Orthodox faith.

Bob was an avid New York Yankees, New York Giants and New Jersey Devils fan. And there was never a Nebraska Huskers game he didn’t miss! He always felt that he was fortune enough to have the success he did and always looked to give back to those in need. He was a part of the Middletown Alliance for over 20 years, a member of AHEPA Chapter 517, an EMT in the early 70s, and a staunch supporter of various veteran organizations. He loved talking politics with his sons and was a proud supporter and member of the Monmouth County Republican Organization.

Bob was a man filled with love for his family and friends. He always smiled when someone walked into a room. Later in life, he loved nothing more than becoming a Pappou. He never said goodbye to his grandchildren without saying “Pappou loves you.” A contagious laugh can be heard at family gatherings, he enjoyed ending those special nights with a cigar and a glass of Johnnie Walker. He will be missed by all.

Bob is preceded by his parents and his father-in-law Savas. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 40 years, Aphrodite. His two sons and daughters-in-law, who he always referred to as his heroes, Billy and his wife Brittany of Lincroft and Stephen and his wife Kristine of Matawan. His six precious grandchildren, Robert, Joseph, Apollo, Anastasia, Darius and Aphrodite. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn and her husband Rudy, his brother Tommy and his wife Nancy, his mother-in-law Anastasia Charitonidis, sister-in-law Thalia and her husband Herman. Bob also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will take place on Friday, November 29 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd., Holmdel, NJ 07733. A funeral service will be offered on Saturday, November 30, at 12:00 PM at Kimisis Tis Theotokou, 20 Hillcrest Rd., Holmdel, NJ 07733. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, in Middletown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family asks with gratitude that donations be made to Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (www.kimisis.com).