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Mantua, NJ 08051
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Robert Scull
In Memory of
Robert W.
Scull
1932 - 2016
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Smith Funeral Home
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Obituary for Robert W. Scull

Robert W.  Scull
Robert W. Scull, age 84, of Mantua passed away Monday, March 14, 2016. Family and Friends are invited to visit from 5 PM to 8 PM on Friday March 18th and from 9 AM to 10 AM on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051. Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM. Fireman's honors and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Hurffville, NJ. Robert is the husband of the late Barbara and Nancy. He is survived by 6 children, Bruce Scull (Helen Valentine), Barbara Priggemeier (Stephen), Richard Scull (JoAnn Volpe Roberts), Brenda DuLong (John), Brad Scull (Barbara Mirenda Williams) & Brett Scull (Lesli Schaffer), 19 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a brother Wayne W. Scull. He was predeceased by his wives Barbara & Nancy and his brother John B. Scull. Robert W. Scull, or Bob as he was known to his friends and family, was born on January 20, 1932 to Wayne and Margaret Scull in Somers Point, NJ. He was the third son, of three, born to his parents and grew up in Linwood, NJ. During World War II, his brothers Wayne and John (Jack) both served in the Armed Forces. Like his brothers, Bob also wanted to serve his country, but was too young. This fostered a life-long penchant for service that continued until his death. In 1943, as many of the men in his community were off to war, Bob joined the Linwood Volunteer Fire Company as a junior firefighter at the age of 11. This was the foundation for his life-long passion in the fire service. He spent the remainder of his 84 years as a volunteer firefighter, serving several South Jersey communities. During his youth, he was instrumental, along with his future wife Barbara, in helping to develop a local playground for the communities of Linwood and Somers Point that is still in use today. Music was an integral part of his younger years as well. Bob learned to play many instruments: trumpet, bugle, clarinet, coronet, and saxophone. His talents led him to perform in a small jazz band that toured the shore towns providing entertainment in their many bars and restaurants during the late 1940’s. He also lent his services to play the bugle at funeral services for veterans of the Spanish-American War. Bob married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Simpson, in 1948. Soon after, the arrival of their first child Bruce Edward took place. He was followed by five more children over the years. Family became his second great passion. Great times were had with his children on camping trips that were taken all over the country. Countless holiday picnics, birthdays, and family get togethers became the foundation of his proud family. In 1951, Bob moved with his family to Woodstown, NJ to be closer to his new job working for DuPont at their Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, NJ. While in Woodstown, Bob was a member of the Reliance Fire Company. He spent 34 years at Du Pont while working as a Chemical Lab Technician. He retired from Du Pont in 1985. 1954 saw the family move to what became their hometown, Sewell, NJ. Bob joined the Sewell Mutual Fire Company where he served in many capacities and offices. Most notable, he served as the company’s Assistant Fire Chief from 1958-1970 and as Fire Chief from 1970-1985. He remained a member of the company until his death. During his tenure in the Sewell Mutual Fire Company, Bob also served as the President of the Mantua Township Fireman’s Relief Association for 35 years. He was also a member of the Gloucester County Fire Chiefs Association. In addition, he was influential in helping to develop the Mantua Township Fire Museum, which in later years had become dear to his heart. As a member of the Sewell Mutual Fire Company, Bob worked tirelessly to help build the organization. In addition to the numerous fire and ambulance calls over the years, there were endless efforts to raise funds for the fire company through Bingo nights and Oyster and Ham suppers. There were parades, conventions, drill nights and meetings. He was always a part of what was going on at the firehouse. Bob’s knowledge of the fire service led him to utilize his talents in the planning, developing, overseeing, and procuring of many of the company’s fire apparatus over the years. It is also what led to a second career as a Fire Sub-Code Official and the running of many of the local municipality’s construction offices. He was the third person certified as a Fire Official in the State of New Jersey and the first one in Gloucester County. He was also one of just 42 men who were selected from around New Jersey to write the New Jersey Fire Codes. Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed many recreational activities. His love for the outdoors led him to spend a lifetime camping with his family, beginning in tents and culminating in his beloved RV. In early years he was involved in the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master. He was an avid bowler who won many trophies in many leagues. He enjoyed working on model trains. In the later years, he enjoyed travelling with his second wife Nancy and their many friends. Recently, he most enjoyed going to lunch at the Mantua Township Senior Center and playing Bingo in Paulsboro for his regular Saturday night out. Robert W. Scull leaves behind quite a legacy. In his 84 years, he led a life of service, leadership, and dedication. He was the longest tenured volunteer firefighter in the history of the State of New Jersey. He served 62 years as a dedicated member of the Sewell Mutual Fire Company. He oversaw the foundations of two of the fastest growing communities in South Jersey as a construction official. His love of community and the many people that he touched are too numerous to mention. Above all, his greatest legacy is the family that he leaves behind. They have learned from him solid values that are the core of keeping his memory alive. Rest in Peace… Job well done! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mantua Twp. Fire & EMS Museum P.O. Box 272 Mantua, NJ 08051 or to Corinthian Cupboard c/o United Methodist Church of Mantua 201 Mantua Blvd. Mantua, NJ 08051. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com
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