Robert Harvey

Bob was a great guy to be around. He loved people and they loved him, and he seemed to know at least one person everywhere he went. He especially loved sharing a joke or giving you a good-natured hard time. However, his main interest was being of service in the community. If there was a need he was there to fill it. A Graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School, he began his career as a firefighter in Gloucester City, served in Crash Rescue for the Air Force, and was a Life Member of Delran Fire Company #2. He also never hesitated to serve his community in other ways, including the Knights of Columbus, the Delran Planning Board, and as a board member for Riverdel Swim Club. He raised his boys stressing honesty, integrity and service, but he found his real calling as a grandfather. He started every phone call by asking about the kids, never missed an event, and refused to come to a meal without a treat from L&M. He loved the Phils, the Eagles and USC football and enjoyed going out to dinner with his family to order his favorite: chicken parm with a little extra gravy.

His career as an optician earned him more than just a paycheck. He wound up meeting a woman there looking for glasses who would become the love of his life. Bob would share a 40-year marriage with the late Diane (nee Calio). He never stopped being enamored; every Christmas found a huge pile of gifts by the tree for his bride. Their personalities and perspectives made them the perfect complement to one another. They shared an irreverent sense of humor, strong values, and two sons: Joseph (Andrea) and Christopher (Tracy); and grandchildren, Elise, Gavin and Finnegan. Bob is predeceased by his parents William J. and Frances D. (nee Byrne), his brother William F. and sisters Marie Quinn and Frances Canning. He is also survived by his sisters Jean E. Borman (Dave) and Joan L. Stone (Robert), as well as his sisters-in-law Marian Louden and Joanne DeRose (Dean).

Come celebrate 81 great years Friday 6-8 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, Holy Name, 260 Conrow Road, Delran where friends may call from 9 a.m. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Riverside. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or Disabled American Veterans.