Rev. Robin E. Van Cleef

Rev. Robin E. Van Cleef, aged 95, died peacefully on October 5, 2023. Robin was a loving husband of 67 years to his late wife Nancy, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Robin devoted his life to the Methodist ministry for 66 years. A Celebration of Life will be held at Whiting United Methodist Church on October 14, 2023, at 11 A.M.

Born in 1928 in Cliffwood, NJ to Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick Van Cleef (Isabel Dunham), Robin was the youngest of 5 children and was preceded in death by all his siblings.

Robin was a graduate of Matawan High School, then received a BA in Journalism from Rutgers College. After a stint in the Army Signal Corps, he returned to attend Seminary in Atlanta at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. While at Emory he met his future wife, Nancy Gresham. After marrying, he returned to NJ and completed his Master of Divinity at Drew University. In addition, he later received a Master of Education from Rutgers University.

He served the United Methodist Church as a pastor for total of 39 years, including tenures in Manahawkin, Avon by the Sea, South River, Cranbury and retiring from Fair Haven in 1993. He subsequently continued to serve another 27 years, until 2019 as a temporary/ substitute pastor in the shore area.

Robin’s real passion was writing and is evidenced by his inspiring sermons and his large portfolio of Poetry, some of which have been published in Christian publications. He was the Editor of The Methodist Relay, a monthly newspaper for NJ Methodist, for 31 years.

Robin was a constant consumer of information and traveled the world. He was a two-day Jeopardy Champion, a frustrated Mets and Rutgers fan, and you could always count on him for a clever pun or joke.

He retired to Whiting in 1993, living in Crestwood Village and most recently, The Pines at Whiting.

Robin is survived by his children Carol Van Cleef (Douglas Thompson) and James Van Cleef (Patti Kelly); grandchildren Dr. Valarie Beck, TJ Van Cleef (Jackie Van Cleef), Kyle Van Cleef, Rev. Peter Thompson, and Jamie Thompson; great grandchildren Elijah and Logan Beck and Taj Van Cleef.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Robin may be made to:

Whiting United Methodist Church

55 Lacey Rd. Whiting NJ 08759