On June 28, 2022 Robert J. Search (75), passed peacefully at his home in Allamuchy, NJ. He spent most of his professional life as an assistant professor of Mathematics at Centenary University. He was a sought-after professor who received the honored distinguished teaching award. Prior to Centenary, he taught at Pope Paul VI High School where he also coached track.
His considerable academic pedigree included high school at Chaminade on Long Island, Notre Dame University as an undergrad, New York University Courant Institute of Mathematical Science for his masters, and Rutgers as a graduate student where he earned an Ed.D. in Mathematics Education.
Those of us who knew him well called him, Bob. Everyone whose lives he touched described him as a kind and gentle man whose Math courses were always full. He understood that not everyone could grasp Math the way he could and worked very hard to bring all along. He loved B movies and would often use them to teach and try to get the students to relate the concepts he was trying to impart. He was a special person who always greeted you with a smile and believed the best about people. He was much beloved by his niece and nephews.
Bob grew up in Westbury Long Island. As a child the stars fascinated him and later informed his dissertation, Student Comprehension of Mathematics through Astronomy. An avid runner, Bob most notably completed the Boston Marathon in 2:38.
He is survived by his wife, Donna L Harrigan, who he described as the best thing that ever happened to him on many occasions. In addition, he is survived by: his sister, Maureen Smith and husband, George; his brother Steven Search and wife, Joanne; his brother, John Search; niece, Sara Smith Bertoni, husband, Jeff and their two children Julian and Lily; and his nephews, Andrew Smith and wife, Samantha; Owen Search and wife, Navi; Conor Search, Michael Search and niece, Adair Search.
A celebration of his life will be held on August 13, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Panther Valley Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please continue to share your stories about him.
Condolences(14)-
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Chris Linne says
July 12, 2022 at 7:13 pmBob,
I hope you are enjoying a Lager and Lime up there!!!
Say hello to Shane while you’re at it!
You are missed!
Larry Stimpson says
July 13, 2022 at 12:58 amBob “the professor “ was a old neighbor of mine, a very nice man who I respected a great deal.
I’m am saddened to hear of his passing.
My condolences to his friends and family
Melanie Thiel says
July 13, 2022 at 2:36 pmHe will be deeply missed by many.
Lynne Evans says
July 13, 2022 at 7:30 pmBob was one of the first people we met when we moved to Panther Valley 6 years ago. Upon talking with him, we discovered that one of his students at Centenary was the son of one of my good friends. My husband and I spent many fun times at PVCC trivia nights on one of the teams opposing Bob. Always a fun time. Bob always had a smile and a kind word for all. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to Donna and Bob’s extended family. May he Rest In Peace among his beloved heavenly stars.
Gary Kuipers, Sr. says
July 16, 2022 at 4:42 pmMy sincere sympathies. I worked along side Bob at Centenary. He taught astronomy classes at the hatchery location. I transported students to attend his class. Some days he would bring the dog with him and I would take the dog for a walk while he instructed. He was truly a kind and considerate man.
Liz smith says
July 17, 2022 at 5:19 pmI am so very sorry to hear of Bobs passing. He always had time to come find me so I could see Josie. You are all in my prayers. Liz Smith. (Donaldsons)
John Barrett says
July 20, 2022 at 2:27 pmI met Bob in 1968 when we both were first year teachers at Paul VI in Clifton. He was a friend and colleague and fellow skier – when there was a “snow day” I’d pick him up and we’d go skiing after the roads cleared.
I lost touch with him after we moved away but did see him at a reunion a few years ago and was glad to hear he did very well after Paul VI closed.
Rest in Peace among your stars…..
John Barrett
John C Grady PVI 1975 says
July 25, 2022 at 2:24 pmA smile and a laugh that will never be forgotten.
Peter Tully 1976 says
July 25, 2022 at 2:36 pmHe interacted with thousands of students at PVI over the years and somehow related to each and every one he taught. We’re still trying to determine if his friend “Fenton” was autobiographical or fiction, but almost each class began with a tale about Fenton and his adventures. He taught Geometry during the mid 70s and will affectionately be remembered simply as “Search”.
Lisa Fiori Mondejar says
July 26, 2022 at 4:04 amHe was a wonderful teacher who not only had me looking forward to his class but also had me wondering if he would ever solve his Rubik’s cube. RIP Mr. Search.
Paul H. PVI '84 says
July 29, 2022 at 3:00 pmWho is this “Bob” you are referring to? He was always just plain old “Search” to his students. The lasting influence he had on thousands of students is a testament to Man. The Myth. The Legend. Before you rant about this being hyperbolic, to know him was to love him. Rest easy, you hoser. You have earned it.
Melissa says
August 16, 2022 at 6:33 pmHaving only just found out, I’m so sorry I missed your memorial.
I hope you and Shane are having a lovely debate over pints like we has since the early pub days about 20 years ago.
You will be truly missed. You were/are definitely a one of a kind person and thank you for getting me through maths at Centenary.
Blake says
August 24, 2022 at 8:50 amWe will all remember Bob as Search. He was always accepting of new people, had a smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eye. He kept after school Friday afternoons fun. The canoe trips weren’t bad either. Give Ed a big hug for me.
Shannon (jonas) Seritella says
November 4, 2022 at 1:34 amI just heard of Bobs passing. Im so sad to hear this. He was my professor and Advisor at Centenary and then a coworker for 15ish years. I loved running into him on campus all the time and seeing him w his Pup! He will def be missed. RiP
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