Robert “Bob” Alfred Drexel, 73, of Waretown, (originally Hoboken) NJ, passed away on May 11 th, after a 3 year battle with Alzheimer’s in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his loving wife, Mary, daughter Kara, and close loved ones. Robert was pre-deceased by his mother Virginia and father Alfred and is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary, his only child Kara, her husband Edward King, and his three grandchildren Landon, Cameron and Hudson King. Robert is also survived by his three younger brothers, Thomas, Richard and Paul Drexel and nieces and nephew, Ivy Rose Bostock, Amelia and Owen Drexel, as well as his sister -in law- Octavia Benenati, brother- in- law Vincent Benenati ,and niece and nephew Ashley and Vincent Benenati.
Robert attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1970. He then received his Masters Degree in Psychology from New Jersey City University in 1972. He initially began his career teaching Elementary Education, and later Special Education in the Hoboken Public School System. He then went on to attend Law School in the evenings and graduated from Seton Hall University with his Juris Doctorate Degree, was admitted to the bar in 1980 , admitted to the
Court of Appeals in 1982 and then was admitted as an Attorney in Counsel to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1983. Robert started his career in Law working in large law firms and ultimately ended up opening his private law practice in Hackensack, NJ, specializing in Bankruptcy and Corporate Reorganization. Robert also taught law classes at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. In his free time, Robert had a love for sailing, and for many years owned a Pearson sailboat and would also race in regattas out of Harlem Yacht Club. Robert enjoyed everything and anything having to do with the beach and water, and loved his second home in Naples, Florida.
Robert had a passion for Photography and worked on putting together many albums over the years. Robert also loved spending time with his three grandchildren Landon, Cameron and Hudson King and looked forward to attending their sports activities and any other significant events in their lives. He always enjoyed a good political debate and was artistic and creative. He had a love for good wines from around the world and was passionate about reading which he passed on to his daughter Kara. Robert and Mary loved traveling and visited many countries throughout his lifetime. One of his favorite trips was sailing with his friends for two weeks on the Adriatic Sea. In his later years after retirement, he loved going swimming on LBI, playing pickleball, and hiking.
A Mass Service in Robert’s honor will be on Friday, May 20th, 10am at Holy Trinity Church located at 315 1st Street in Westfield, NJ. A repast luncheon will follow at Ferraro’s restaurant in Westfield for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers , any donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Robert’s honor would be greatly appreciated.