Obituary of Bob Heaslip

Robert Joseph Heaslip, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at his home in Toms River, NJ surrounded by his family. 

Born in Manhattan, NY to the late Joseph and Matilda Heaslip, The Heaslip family relocated to South Plainfield early in Bob’s life, where he had been a life-long resident until recently moving to Toms River.

Growing up in South Plainfield, Bob was a graduate of South Plainfield High School, Class of 1962, where he played football as an all-conference center and was voted cutest and biggest blusher, and earlier, attended Roosevelt Elementary School, where he met Diane Pellegrino. The two would go on to be married for 56 years.

Bob and Diane built a home steps away from the school that brought them together.  They would raise their family surrounded by a tight-knit community, in a neighborhood of relatives and dear friends.

Bob spent 35 years with Ford Motor Company Local 980 UAW. Upon retirement, Bob had to keep busy and became a crossing guard. He loved the kids and people who would stop by to chat.

Outside of work, Bob was a member of the Italian American Progressive League in South Plainfield, and a member of Elks Lodge #2298, also in town. He was also a parishioner of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Bob loved caring for his lawn, gardening, the outdoors, and his country. Time spent with those closest to him, including his pet dogs, was always special, especially trips to Wildwood, where Bob would love to give tours of the area to friends and family that visited his vacation home, or the many camping trips throughout the years. One could often find Bob and Diane at Ciccio’s Pizza in South Plainfield. As someone who did not have the word “I” in his vocabulary, he will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for those around him.

Predeceased by his parents and sister, Leanna Heaslip Monticchio, Bob is survived by his loving wife, Diane (nee Pellegrino) Heaslip; daughters Cindy Heaslip Romano, of Whitehouse Station, NJ, and Sheri Heaslip Tregoning (Mark), of Somerville, NJ, and his adored grandchildren Camryn and Lucas Romano who loved their Peepa. He will also be missed by his brother Richard Heaslip of South Plainfield and sister Elaine Heaslip Lorentzen (Doug), of Sequim, Washington, several nieces and nephews, and a host of extended relatives and friends.

Family and friends are invited to join together for visitation at the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 3-7 PM.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Czestochowa RC Church, 120 Kosciusko Avenue, South Plainfield Avenue, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10 AM. Family and friends may join gather at the funeral home prior to mass, beginning at 9 AM.

Entombment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park, 899 East Lincoln Avenue, Piscataway, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the Heaslip Family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Bob’s name.