Robert E. Slocum, Sr., age 90, passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018 in Brick, NJ. Robert was born in a small bungalow on K Street in West Belmar, Wall Township on December 7, 1927, the only child of Everett and Anna Slocum.

Robert attended West Belmar Grammar School and was a graduate of Manasquan High School in 1945. After graduation he started as an apprentice for the J.N. Bearmore Roofing and Sheet Metal Company where he then worked for 35 years.

Mr. Slocum served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the US Army Air Corps, AACS Army Air Force Communication, service rank of corporal, and was awarded the WWII Victory ribbon and Philippine Independence ribbon.

He returned home, and met his beautiful wife, Joan Bateman Slocum, whom he was married to for 69 years. He built them a home in West Belmar, raised two sons, and lived there until October 1993.

Robert loved to serve his community. He was a member of Wall Township Fire Company #1 District #1 since 1949, serving as Chief in 1954, and was their Fire Commissioner and Treasurer for 25 years. He was a lifetime member of the NJ State Fireman and Relief Association and served as Water Commissioner for West Belmar Water District for five years. He also served on the Wall Township Zoning Board of Adjustment for 19 years. In his spare time, he was a member of numerous HAM radio clubs, and was an avid recreational RV-er, travelling the US and Canada. He was also a life-long member of West Belmar Methodist Church.

In 1993, he moved to Greenbriar Woodlands in Toms River where he was a member of the Golf Association and spent his winters in Boynton Beach, FL. He was an avid golfer and achieved four holes in one.

Robert loved his family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed life, a good conversation, was always quick to remind you to “smile and think positively”, and was always eager to “get the job done”.

He is predeceased by his son, Robert E. Slocum, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen Slocum.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Joan B. Slocum; his son Richard Slocum and his wife Rosemary, Granddaughter Beth Slocum-Mackey and her husband, Brian, his Grandson Andrew Holz, and his wife Margaret, and their children, (Robert’s three great-grandchildren), William, Daniel and Lucas.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Rd., Brick. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.