Robert Michael DeSimone

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert DeSimone, affectionately known as Robbie to his mother, Daddy to his two daughters, and Bubs/Bubby to his five grandchildren. He passed away at his home in Lanoka Harbor, NJ at the young age of 56 years old.

He was born in Union, NJ on April 29, 1969. He graduated from Brick Township High School in 1987 and subsequently married his high school sweetheart, Michele Prebish, on December 3, 1988. He received an associates degree from Ocean County College prior to graduating from the Ocean County Police Academy in 1992, as one of eight recruits in Ocean County Police Academy Class 59. He served in the Lakewood Police Department’s patrol division before rising steadily through the ranks over the years.

In 2000, Robert joined the Special Response Team, where he later served as commander. He was promoted to sergeant in 2010, contributing to the department’s homeland security efforts, and attained the rank of lieutenant in 2016. He retired on Dec. 29, 2017, after 25 years of service.

In May of 2018 he was hired as the Director of Security for the Lakewood School District, where he took pride in the safety and security of the staff and students. Robert was truly a pillar in the community.

As accomplished as he was in his profession, the true pride and joy of his life was his family. He dedicated his life to taking care of his mom, wife, children, and grandchildren. Anyone that knew Rob, whether they knew him for 10 years or 10 minutes knew that there was nothing he loved more in life than his family. He would tell stories and show pictures of his family, especially his grandchildren, to anyone and everyone. He loved to plan family vacations, dinners out, and parties at home to see the joy on the kids faces. Rob was happiest when his family was happiest and he was always front and center to capture the smiles, laughs, and memories.

His amazing life will forever be cherished in the lives of those he is survived by: his wife, Michele, his two daughters Amanda (Scott) Speidel and Ashley (Eric) Schoeneberg, and his five grandchildren: Amelia and Gunnar Speidel, and Lorelai, Leland, and Magnolia Schoeneberg. He is also survived by his mother, Nancy Truncale, brother, Thomas (Mary Kay) DeSimone, and sister, Gina DeSimone Mann. And countless nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and in laws. He is predeceased by his father, Ralph DeSimone, his mother in law Kathleen Prebish, and his grandparents.

Rob has touched so many lives during his years that his impact and his loss is beyond words.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roberts name can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, HomelessPawsNJ, or St. Judes.

A visitation for Robert will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 2:00pm- 4:00pm & 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, July 16, 2025 promptly at 10:30 am at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755.