47 Main Street
Mantua, NJ 08051
P: (856) 468-0670
E: smithfh@comcast.net
Manager Daniel N. Smith, NJ Lic #3263
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In Memory of
Robert H.
Vanek
Vanek
1943 - 2022
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Smith Funeral Home
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Obituary for Robert H. Vanek
On Sunday, November 13th, 2022, Robert “Bob” Huston Vanek, of West Deptford, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends after battling a long illness. Born in Elyria, Ohio to the late Robert W. Vanek and Martha (nee Huston), he graduated from Elyria High School Class of 1961. Post high school he attended Kent State University Class of 1966 where he studied industrial relations.
After graduation Bob started his career in labor relations in Cleveland. He later moved to Rancho Palos Verdes, California where he worked as an arbitrator. In 1985 Bob relocated to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania where he was employed at Pocono Medical Center as the Vice President of Employee Relations. In the late 80s Bob settled in South Jersey, first living in Paulsboro prior to moving to West Deptford in the 90s. Bob most recently worked for the State of New Jersey in the Department of Labor as a counselor, retiring in 2010.
Bob enjoyed boating, sailing, sports cars, golf, all things related to Cleveland sports, and learning Civil War & Gettysburg history. He is remembered with love by his devoted wife Shirley Vanek, with whom he enjoyed traveling, spending time outdoors - especially in the Adirondacks, and socializing with neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Bob was particularly fond of animals and adored the many pets Shirley and he shared over the years, especially their late Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
Bob is also survived by his son Matthew Vanek (Florence) and Matthew’s mother Elizabeth Vanek (Bill) both of Pitman; two grandchildren, Matthew and Julia; stepsons John Harper (Carol) of Poultney, Vermont and Casey Harper (Jennifer) of Berlin; brother William Vanek (Bonne) of Avon Lake, Ohio; niece Alyson Schroeder (Andy) of Indianapolis, Indiana; great nephews and niece – Jackson, Charlie, & Paige; aunt June Chase (late Robert) of Nottingham, New Hampshire; many cousins; and his college roommate and lifelong best-friend Roger Emig (late Becky) of Moon, Virginia.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, November 18 at 10am at the Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua Township, NJ 08051. At 11am, services will follow at the Smith Funeral Home, with interment ensuing at Woodbury Memorial Park, Jessup Road (County Road 660) and Kings Highway, West Deptford, NJ 08086.
Bob was a lifelong lover of animals and donations may be made in remembrance to the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, New Jersey in lieu of flowers.
Click here to donate online
After graduation Bob started his career in labor relations in Cleveland. He later moved to Rancho Palos Verdes, California where he worked as an arbitrator. In 1985 Bob relocated to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania where he was employed at Pocono Medical Center as the Vice President of Employee Relations. In the late 80s Bob settled in South Jersey, first living in Paulsboro prior to moving to West Deptford in the 90s. Bob most recently worked for the State of New Jersey in the Department of Labor as a counselor, retiring in 2010.
Bob enjoyed boating, sailing, sports cars, golf, all things related to Cleveland sports, and learning Civil War & Gettysburg history. He is remembered with love by his devoted wife Shirley Vanek, with whom he enjoyed traveling, spending time outdoors - especially in the Adirondacks, and socializing with neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Bob was particularly fond of animals and adored the many pets Shirley and he shared over the years, especially their late Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
Bob is also survived by his son Matthew Vanek (Florence) and Matthew’s mother Elizabeth Vanek (Bill) both of Pitman; two grandchildren, Matthew and Julia; stepsons John Harper (Carol) of Poultney, Vermont and Casey Harper (Jennifer) of Berlin; brother William Vanek (Bonne) of Avon Lake, Ohio; niece Alyson Schroeder (Andy) of Indianapolis, Indiana; great nephews and niece – Jackson, Charlie, & Paige; aunt June Chase (late Robert) of Nottingham, New Hampshire; many cousins; and his college roommate and lifelong best-friend Roger Emig (late Becky) of Moon, Virginia.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, November 18 at 10am at the Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua Township, NJ 08051. At 11am, services will follow at the Smith Funeral Home, with interment ensuing at Woodbury Memorial Park, Jessup Road (County Road 660) and Kings Highway, West Deptford, NJ 08086.
Bob was a lifelong lover of animals and donations may be made in remembrance to the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, New Jersey in lieu of flowers.
Click here to donate online
47 Main Street
Mantua, NJ 08051
Phone: (856) 468-0670
Email: smithfh@comcast.net