Robert Peter Hedden

Robert Peter Hedden (Bob), age 56, of Lakewood, New Jersey passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 26th at his home. He was born July 12, 1965 in North Plainfield, N.J. to parents Lawrence R. Hedden and Betty Boyd Bostroem Hedden.

From an early age , Robert was an avid reader and he excelled in north plainfield public schools. He continued his studies at Columbia University and graduated with a B.A.in Philosophy.

After college, Bob navigated a very difficult life due to increasing mental illness challenges but he managed to work at editing and business writing positions, many in the nonprofit sector. In addition, He held counseling positions at Covenant House and other NYC community agencies where he displayed a compassionate presence for the less fortunate.

Bob grew up rolling with the punches that only the youngest of seven children are faced with. As “mom’s favorite” he had a unique bond and strong relationship growing up with his mother Betty. To this day many of our siblings still refer to his early years as “the Betty and Bob” team. Bob was an easy going soul with a wry sense of humor, laced with his very strong opinions about politics and religion. He was not an easy person to debate. In addition, He was also very knowledgeable about all types of music especially those from his college days specifically, The Grateful Dead.

Over his lifetime , Bob had many addresses:, NYC, San Francisco, and different towns in new jersey, but he eventually settled in Lakewood with friends and family nearby. It is an area he loved and enjoyed. Bob was always up for attending large family holiday gatherings where he conversed and debated with siblings and the younger generations–sometimes a bit too much . He was a cherished and wonderful member of the Hedden 7 and he will be missed by his extended family and friends.

In his retirement Bob enjoyed the challenges of playing Bridge, Chess, and many Computer Games. He tuned in to Jets & Giants games as well as other TV sports. He spent hours listening to different music, oldies as well as classical . One could find his radio/TV playing anything from 70’s hits to Chopin, Vivaldi, Mozart, & Beethoven. He enjoyed cooking at home and many different cuisines and he relished his privacy and quiet life in his condo.

Bob is survived by six siblings and their partners/spouses: Patricia Hedden, Virginia Hedden , Michael P. Hedden (Joan), Katherine Hedden, Maureen Hedden Mayer (Ronald), and James L. Hedden (Jennifer Cline). In addition he will be missed by numerous nephews and nieces: Meredith Williams Earle (Tim), Andrea Dillingham (Wes Dillingham), Kristina McGratty (Clayton), Alena Hedden, Inna Hedden (Tony Farias),Keira Henry (Trevor Primm), Jessica Hedden, Kyle Hedden, Tim Hedden ( Nicole Lindenbaum), Brian Hedden, Matt Hedden (Jamie), Patrick Hedden, Kris Henry, Justin Mayer, and Joshua Mayer.

A memorial service will be held on Friday,March 4th, 2022 from 5-8 pm at D’Elia Funeral Home where family and friends can share memories

www.DEliaFuneralHome.com.

On Saturday March 5th A Memorial Mass at St. Mary of the Lake Church will be held at 10:30 am. After which he will be buried at the adjoining plot next to his mother in St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery , Lakewood NJ.

Memorial contributions in Robert Hedden’s name can be made to the charity of your choice or to NAMI @ donate.nami.org