December 31, 1942 - February 15, 2021
It is with great sadness the family of Robert G. Walker of Hardyston, NJ, Stockton Springs, ME, and Osprey, FL, announces his passing after a brief illness.
Bob was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin, to Joseph S. Walker and Eleanor J. Reimer Walker, settling in NJ in 1961. He received his BA from Kean College and his MA from College of NJ. Bob went on to join Sussex VoTech as Assistant Principal, moving on in the same position at the opening of Kittatinny Regional High School. Rising through the ranks, Bob became Superintendent, a position he held for 23 years until his retirement in 2007. At this time, he was honored by having the new school wing formally dedicated as the Robert G. Walker Wing, ending his 33 year career at KRHS. During his tenure at KRHS Bob was instrumental in attaining NJ Star School Award followed by being named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Bob referred to all of his accomplishments as “we as a team” never as "I". In 1993 Bob was cited by The Executive Educator as one of the top 100 school executives in North America. In 2007 he was placed in the 110th Congressional Record, a citation honoring Mr. Walker for a "lifetime of public service as an educator."
A giving man, his professional memberships included, but not limited to, Executive Board member of SCARC, member of Sussex County Educational Services Commission, a 25 year member of National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), American Association of School Administrators, Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and Newton Rotary, of which he was a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also President of RGW LLC.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob was always ready for his next adventure. He enjoyed downhill skiing, riding his Harley Davidson, a former member of The Blue Knights, traveling in his Winnebago, a life-long Green Bay Packers fan and season ticket holder.
Training at the age of 56, Bob completed both the San Diego Marathon with his daughter Kim then the NYC Marathon that same year.
A pro at all home repairs, no job was too big tirelessly renovating his homes and always ready to help others. Never one to walk away from a battle, Bob was known for his strong opinions and always up for a heated discussion on many topics. A friend and mentor to many and always eager to lend a hand. A compassionate animal lover and firm believer in rescuing.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Douglas Walker; his wife, Rosemary Walker; and his grandson, River. The beloved husband and companion of 33 years to Susan Capelli Walker, Bob was a devoted father of Paul Walker (Elizabeth) of Acworth, GA, and daughters, Hope Medina of Groveland, FL, Kimberly Klokus (Michael) of Minneola, FL, and Marisa Daly (Patrick) of Boxford, MA. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Susan Walker of Alamo, KY and many friends, including Glenn Sumpman, all of whom already miss him dearly.
As Bob would not want to compromise anyone’s health, a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Those wishing to make a donation in Bob's memory please consider: Robert G. Walker Memorial Scholarship, Kittatinny Regional High School, 77 Halsey Road, Newton, NJ 07860 or New York Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Chapter (ALS), 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004.
