Robert T Willis “Bob”, aged 76, of Hackettstown , NJ died peacefully at home with his family by his side.

Bob was born in Presbyterian hospital in Newark, NJ on November 13, 1944 to the late Harriet and Charles Willis. He was married for 53 years to Margaret “Peggy” Willis.
Bob grew up in West Caldwell, NJ and graduated from James Caldwell HS in 1962. Bob was employed by the NJ state highway department and then enlisted in the National Guard. Following his basic training at Fort Bragg, NC, Bob was employed in Construction and then became a member of International Operating Engineers Local 825D in 1969 as a surveyor. Bob remained a member for 52 years.

Bob built two houses in Boonton Township,NJ and Hardwick Township,NJ where he resided with his wife and kids before settling in Independence Township, NJ. Bob enjoyed spending time with family, road trips, classic cars and car shows, fishing, boating and going to the beach. He was well-traveled and planned trips on a whim. Bob was helpful and kind to all who encountered him and always willing to engage in conversation, share his wisdom and provide driving directions on a whim.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Dippel), his children, Brian (Gina) Willis of Hackettstown, NJ, Scott (Sharon) Willis of Independence Township, NJ, Karen (Jeffrey) Kleinschmidt of Byram Township, NJ and Lorri Willis (Scott) of Randolph Township, NJ, his adored grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Austin, Daniel, Jason, Marisa, Ashton and Samantha and two step-grandchildren, Alyssa and Nicholas. Bob is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his sisters, Judith Jensen of Millstone Township, NJ and Harriet Levy of St. Augustine, FL.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 2nd from 4-8 pm at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 3rd at 11 am at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Route 46, Great Meadows, NJ

Burial of Ashes will be held at Pequest Cemetery, Great meadows on Monday, June 7th at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 in memory of Bob.