Obituary of Robert J Yantz

Yantz, Robert Joseph of Paterson, NJ passed away on 11/19/16 following a short illness. He was born in New York City. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Margaret and his siblings, Thomas, James, Mary, William, Agnes, Edward and George. He was the beloved father of Robin O'Brien of West Milford, NJ and Janet Tanaka of San Francisco, CA along with son-in-laws Gary O'Brien and Robert Tanaka. He was the most devoted grandfather of Morgan Tanaka and Tess Tanaka. At 16 years old he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp in the late 1930's. During World War II he joined the United States Merchant Marines and served in the Atlantic Tour. Following the war he remained a Merchant Seaman for five years. He married his wife Marge in 1950. He worked for The Okonite Cable Company in Paterson, NJ for 32 years where he shared many memories and took pride in his work. He retired from that position in 1985 and considered every year that followed a "bonus year". He had 31 bonus years!!! Bob enjoyed country and western music and was an avid animal lover. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and was a humorist. His jokes will live on forever with many of us. He was uncle to several nieces and nephews, and has many family members and friends who will deeply miss him. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at Festa Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, January 6, 2017 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Mausoleum, 52 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider making a donation in Bob's name to: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA), your local (SPCA), or to The Diabetic Youth Foundation www.dyf.org.