Obituary of Robert Willard Willeford

Robert "Bob" Willard Willeford Sr., 89 Robert "Bob" W. Willeford Sr., 89, of Toms River, passed away on Wednesday August 13, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Services will be held on Monday August 18, 2014 at The Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street in West Orange at 10:00AM. Then to St. Joseph's Church, 44 Benvenue Ave. in West Orange for the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Teresa's Cemetery in Summit. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-6 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob's name to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Bob was born in Blue Point NY and raised in Patchogue, NY, living in Summit and then New Providence for 30 years before moving to Toms River 20 years ago. He was a Salesman working for Litho-Form Corporation in Manhattan. Bob is a World War II veteran and was a Radioman, First Class with the US Navy from 1942 to 1946, during which time he was awarded with the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 1 Silver Star, American Theater Ribbon, and Victory Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Ribbon, and a Navy Unit Commendation. He served in the Destroyer USS Isherwood, Cargo Ship USS Cape Johnson, Escort Aircraft Carrier USS Sitkoh Bay, and Battleship USS Nevada. Bob also served with Fleet Radio Units on Oahu and Guam. Bob was active in the Knights of Columbus while a parishioner of Our Lady of Peace in New Providence. His home council was Summit #783 where he served in a variety of positions including Grand Knight. In the late 1970's and 1980's, Bob extended his leadership skills and dedication to the Knights by functioning as a District Deputy for a number of Union County Councils. He also served on the State Advisory Board. Bob was the beloved husband of the late Anne Willeford (nee MacMahon). Devoted father of Margaret O'Hara and her husband Richard, Robert Jr., and Peter and his wife Susan. Cherished grandfather of Daniel, Timothy, Terri, Jeffrey, April, Kevin, Christine, Carolyn and Courtney. Loving great-grandfather of Tucker.