Joseph Robert Kaiser

Sparta, NJ- Joseph Robert (Bob) Kaiser passed away on February 25, 2016 after a battle with cancer. Born in Jersey City in 1931 he spent his youth in Rahway where he was raised by his sister Clare Hartnett after his Dad passed away when he was 7. He enjoyed spending summers in Sussex County where he was given the nickname of “Zeke” Kaiser which would follow him through his high school years at Saint Peter’s in New Brunswick. While there he excelled in football and baseball and had the honor of playing on the State Championship baseball team and was named First Team All-State running back for the 1949 Cardinal football team. He earned a full scholarship to St. Francis College for football, but interrupted his education to join the US. Marines where he served active duty in Korea. Upon returning to the States, he married Norma Ritter and together they had four children, J. Robert Kaiser Jr. of Daytona Beach, Fl.; Carol Kaiser Kitchin (Lloyd) of Mt. Arlington, NJ; John Kaiser (Sotick) of Homer, AK. Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Katherine Kaiser who died days shy of receiving his kidney at the age of 20. Bob is survived by 6 grandchildren: Jessica Kitchin Murphy (Chris); Brian Kitchin (Catia); Dr. Doug Kitchin (Alexa); Greg Kitchin; J. Robert Kaiser III; and Stephanie Kaiser along with 3 great grandchildren, Arden, Nate, and Riley. Bob spent most of his adult life living in Sussex County and had a lifelong fondness for feeding critters that frequented the charming cabin he rebuilt with his companion of 32 years, Marge Cloke in Lake Walkill. Bob had many careers in his life including teaching, Real Estate (Neill Parrott 25 years), home building and bartending (Farmstead Golf Club for 20 yrs.). Bob loved people and a good story. He loved music and was noted for livening up a party by starting a band while he played his banjo or ukulele. He also enjoyed golf, bowling, and caring for animals. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the church where he served as an altar boy, Our Lady of the Lake RC Church in Sparta 10 am on Monday, March 7 , followed by burial next to his cherished daughter Kathy in Sparta Cemetery with military honors. Family and friends are invited Sunday March 6, 2~4 and 7~9 pm to Goble Funeral Home 22 Main Street Sparta, NJ 07871.