Robert Lerner

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert A. Lerner of Forked River, NJ on January 30, 2025.

Bob was an adoring husband, devoted father and grandfather, loving brother and cherished friend.  He was known by many different names including Pop-pop, Principal Bob, Sempi Bob and Bob the Builder.

Bob was born in Jersey City and lived in North Jersey most of his life.  He met and married Patricia Negra in 1963.  After completing his Bachelors at Farleigh Dickenson University and Masters at Kean University he moved to the Jersey Shore in 1973 with his wife and baby son to open the H & M Potter Elementary School as its first principal, in Bayville, NJ.  In 1979 he became the principal of the Marshall W. Errickson Elementary School in Freehold Township until retirement.  He was known as a dynamic educator who enjoyed incorporating new and creative ideas.  He was supportive of his faculty and staff and an advocate for his students.

Bob “The Builder” could fix and build just about anything you could think of from his 1960 Triumph to countless bookshelves and crown molding that still adorns many houses of family members and friends.  He received his black belt in Wado-ryu karate from the Rising Sun Karate Academy where he taught many students.  He could spend hours talking about his cars, karate, woodworking, the Pittsburgh Penguins and antique coins.

He is survived by the love of his life Pattie with whom he just celebrated their anniversary of 62 years, his son Jason and daughter-in-law Kelli, his grandchildren Ella and Chase, his sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and Bob Finizio, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ron and Val Negra, his nieces Jennifer, Sarah and Jessica and their spouses and children as well as a huge extended family.  Bob was predeceased by his parents Morris and Mabel Lerner.

Bob was patient and kind and brought joy and happiness to all who knew him and will be deeply missed.  He may not be with us anymore but the impact he left will make him impossible to forget.

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