| The Iselin Chemical Hook and Ladder Fire Company is sad to announce the passing of President Emeritus Robert Thompson. Bobby, 81, died Sunday March 15th at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ.
Bobby was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania in the heart of the hard coal region. In his teens he volunteered for duty in the Navy and served for 7 ½ years on board The Portsmouth, a cruiser and on board the USS Kennedy, a destroyer during World War 2 and The Korean Conflict. Bob was an active member of The Tin Can Sailors. He was a member of the Iselin VFW and American Legion.
Bob worked for over thirty years with New Departure Hyatt in Clark, much of this time he was a Union Representative. He retired from General Motors in 1981. Bob worked as a messenger for Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer for 20 years, retiring in 2002. Bob was a committeeman in Woodbridge for the fourth ward and served on the planning board for 10 years.
Bob and his wife Barbara moved to Iselin in the 1950's and raised their two children, Jimmy and Terri. Bob joined the Fire Company in the late 1950's with his brother in law, Jimmy Kilker. He was a dedicated member for over 52 years. He held various positions throughout his tenure, including Vice President for 4 years and President for over 30 years. Bob was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners in the 1970's and served as their President. He was a life member of the Iselin/Colonia Exempt Fireman's Association and has served as President for the last 20 years. Bob is Vice President of the Iselin/Colonia Relief Association. He is a life member of the New Jersey State Fireman's Association.
Bob was honored last March at the Fire Company Installation Dinner for his years of service. The Fire Company held a meeting there and voted Robert Thompson in as President Emeritus, which means Honorary President for Life.
Bob is survived by his wife Barbara of Iselin; son, James and his wife Carolyn, of Hudson, Fla.; daughter, Theresa Turner of Iselin; sister, Ruth Sears and Ellen Leventhal, both of Carbondale, Pa.; granddaughter, Jennifer; sisters-in-law Eleanor Kilker (widow of member James Kilker) of Iselin and Jane Conlogue of Pleasant Mount, Pa. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Bobby will be sorely missed by District 11. He dedicated his entire life to helping others and the Fire Company is a better place because of him. We all have stories about him and have shared many laughs. We have all spent time in the Fireman's Room listening to his "sea stories". Bobby has touched the lives of everyone that has ever been associated with the Fire Department and will be missed tremendously.
Robert Thompson has answered his final alarm, and now rests with the Chief of all Chiefs. |
