Bob Arvidson

Robert Eugene “Bob” Arvidson was born to C. William and Virginia Arvidson, nee Pownall, on December 6, 1935 in northern NJ. Raised in New Jersey, Bob was a member of the Teaneck High school football team. From an early age Bob decided to attend the University of Notre Dame and only applied to one school. A life-long fan of the Fighting Irish, his full-time hobby was tracking the football team from recruiting to Spring drills to each and every game of the season. The dawn of the internet was a boon to his hobby and nothing made him happier than watching, then dissecting a game - as long as he was left alone during the game! On a school break, Bob had the good fortune to head to a CYO event with friends where he met Pat, the long-time love of his life. Engaged on St. Patrick’s Day and married in late August, they had a life full of laughter and mini-adventures. Within a few years, Bob and Pat had their family grow when Peggie, then Bobby, then Kathy joined the Arvidson clan. As a salesman, Bob believed in the truth of building relationships, not transactions, and he shared that love of meeting new people and listening to them to understand their needs and wants with all of his kids. He always had a hello for strangers as well as old friends, but it was a great lesson in the way to treat your fellow human. He worked for more than 30 years for Berlin & Jones and when he “retired” with Pat to Williamsburg, he started his own business, Arvi Advertising Specialties. With Pat’s urging, Bob took on the adventure of camping as a family and hearing him tell his stories about life in the camper could have a room full of people laughing to the point of tears. Spending time with his family was a highlight and never ceased to make him smile. Bob passed away, peacefully, on January 6, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother Bill, sister Ginny and brother-in-law Dick (Sciorra) and brothers-in-law Geary and Tim Ahern and sister-in-law Mary Ahern. Bob is survived by his children Peggie (Michael Rzepkowski), Bob, Kathy Baldwin (Tony) and the true apple of his eye, granddaughter, Adrianna (Adie to Poppa). Bob is also survived by sister-in-law Shirley Arvidson, sister-in-law Julie (Dennis) Nelson, brothers-in-law Jim (Sandy) and Larry (Debbie) Ahern, sister-in-law Eileen Ahern, daughter-in-love, Debbie Cook, and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-time friends. He truly never met an enemy other than cancer. Visitation will be at Nelsen’s Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg from 5-8:30 pm on Friday, January 10, 2020. A funeral mass & visitation will be held at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg beginning at 10 am. Burial will follow at a later date at Williamsburg Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local Catholic Charities in his honor.