Robert Sherrill Porges

Robert Sherrill Porges, 93, passed away on July 9, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, surrounded by his children and several cherished grandchildren. Bob was born on October 30, 1930, in West Orange, New Jersey, and spent his childhood and young adulthood in both Little Silver and Red Bank, New Jersey. A graduate of Red Bank High School, he found his beloved bride, Marjorie Goff Porges, just down Broad Street at Red Bank Catholic. In 1960, Bob and Marji moved to Rumson, New Jersey, where they raised their four children and instilled within them a great appreciation for family and the surrounding community. Their marriage, a loving and exciting adventure for sixty-eight years, was undoubtedly Bob’s greatest achievement.

His affectionately given nicknames, “Pop Pop”, “The Hammer”, “Coach”, and “Uncle Bob” can accurately paint a picture of the type of man Bob was and how he liked to present himself. A devoted grandfather and family man, a disciplined and committed mentor, and a man characterized by class, tradition, and hard work. He was often his family’s first call in the morning and their last at night; he was the proudest and most boastful; the man you wanted in your corner; a staunch supporter of those he loved, despite any shortcomings (namely, the New York Giants). Mostly, however, Bob could be distinguished by his steadfast dedication to the many aspects of his life.

After attending Hobart College, Bob served his country in the United States Army (Go Army, Beat Navy) and once discharged from Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, dove straight into the business world. He began work at Ris Paper Company where he would stay for the entirety of his professional career. Bob made significant contributions to the company over the years and would eventually come to serve as its Vice President.

Bob was also an avid runner, training for hours before commuting to New York City for work. Every day was a new day to set out with great ambition. With his mindset of immense intention, he ran twelve New York City marathons, and his last was completed at the age of seventy, following a successful battle with cancer.

The same conviction Bob used in training was applied to his work in the community. A volunteer Pop Warner coach in Rumson, he impacted countless young athletes with lessons on and off the field and was a founding member of the RFH Bulldog Boosters. Bob’s commitment to education and community service led him to establish the Zipf Memorial Scholarship, which continues to benefit deserving students today.

Bob is survived by his four children: Robert Sherrill Porges Jr. and his wife Mary; Susan and Bruce Feiring; Sharon Street and her fiancé George Cuje; and Theodore Porges. He was the epitome of the word father, always ensuring that his children were loved and supported throughout their lives. To Bob, the responsibility was an honor.

He also had significantly close relationships with his grandchildren: Christopher and Vanessa Porges; Clifford and Lisa Feiring; Sean and Ashley Feiring; Ashley and Dominic Salamone; Matthew and Margaret Feiring; Allyson and Ryan Goolabsingh; Marjorie and Peter Weil; Kevin Street; Veronica Porges; and Daniel Wickman. His grandchildren brought Bob immense joy and a day didn’t go by where they weren’t reminded.

Additionally, Bob leaves behind his adored great-grandchildren: Sapphire, Jaden, Katharine, Henry, Olivia, Bobby, August, and Anna Jane. "Uncle Bob" also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Gretchen, Heidi, Rick, Peggy, and Stevie.

Bob’s beloved disposition made him a paternal figure to many, including Cindy Zipf, John and Stacey Wickman, Mike and Lisa Smith, his children’s and grandchildren’s friends.

Bob Porges created a lasting impact on numerous lives. He will forever be missed and always remembered. Memorial services to celebrate Bob’s incredibly full life will be held at Assumption Church in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, at 11:30 am on August 3rd, and at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Rumson, New Jersey, at 10:00 am on September 23rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Clean Ocean Action, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine environment.