Obituary of Robert Nunes

Suffern, NY

Robert Nunes (Bob, Bobby, Bucky) died peacefully at home on February 18th, 2025 following complications from dementia.  He was 87. Born October 6, 1937, Bob was raised on Chestnut Street in Garfield N.J. by his parents Henrietta (Cunha) and Manuel Nunes.

He is predeceased by his devoted wife Eileen of 41 years, as well as his sisters Mary Cimino and Priscilla “Bunny” Sinatra.  

Survived by his only child Michele and son-in law Jerry Gaudreau of Emerson, New Jersey, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob attended Garfield High School. Following High School, he bartended locally.  Each Sunday, a pretty girl would walk past his window on her way to the local bakery for her family's Sunday donuts. She caught his eye and they began dating.  Bob joined the U.S. Army, serving as a military police officer at Camp Casey Army Base in South Korea near the DMZ. His girlfriend sent daily letters while he served overseas. He was always so proud and excited for mail call and would tell his fellow soldiers all about the letters.  After returning from Korea, Bob married the girl from Passaic, New Jersey who wrote those love letters: Eileen Sheleg.  They started a life together after marrying in 1964, shortly after one of their favorite songs "Chapel of Love” was topping the record charts. They lived in Monroe and Harriman New York, before moving to Rockland County and settling in Suffern. Bob was employed with the Arrow Shirt Company in Chester NY, where he and Eileen made incredible lifelong friendships that they still had until the time of their deaths. He then made a career at Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Suffern, where he worked in the manufacturing and warehouse departments until his retirement.  He enjoyed his Ciba-Geigy days, with fond and fun memories of his co-workers and company events.   He was also a member of the Suffern American Legion Post #0859 and a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church.

Bob loved sports and cheering on all the hometown teams  -- whether it was watching sporting events at Suffern High School, or rooting for both the New York  Jets AND the Giants.  The Mets AND the Yankees.  He did plenty of reminiscing in his later years while he was mostly homebound.  Some of his happiest memories were of childhood summers in Lavalette with his older sisters and many cousins, and going crabbing in the bay.  Another favorite: going to the stadium to see some of the old Baseball Greats play in person. He was proud to grow up in Garfield, N.J. and always eager for a drive to go back and visit the old neighborhoods of Garfield and Lodi.  He loved the drive as much as bringing home good food from what he called the Little Italy of New Jersey.  But perhaps more than a pizza pie at Barcelona's ... or raviolis from Garfield...More than burgers and wings from Sutter's...More than The Hot Grill or the Honeymooners...More than collecting old coins and $2.00 bills ....More than summer vacations at the Jersey Shore, or strolls on the Seaside boardwalk...

Bob LOVED his music.  Sounds of the 50's & 60's filled the room wherever he was, and his favorite doo-wop and motown songs could be heard for miles!  And no one stood a chance against him in a game of music trivia. 

The Nunes family would like to extend their gratitude to those who went above and beyond to help Bob through some difficult years, including:  The Friedwald Center Adult Day Care Program,  Jean and the Staff at VIP Ambulette, the Rockland County TRIPS Transportation team, and all of Bob's doctors and staffs.  Our biggest, most heartfelt thank you goes to Bob's two extremely devoted long-time home health aides Nuris and Shedly who became like family to us.  We are forever grateful for your love and support. 

Lastly, the Nunes family is honored and grateful to have a special family friend care for Bob this week in his final journey.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Edwards Funeral Chapel, 160 Orange Ave, Suffern, NY 10901. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church, 129 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY 10901. Interment will immediately follow at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Rd, Airmont, NY 10952. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the direction of Tyler Murtie from Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral & Cremation Service, who Bob has known since he was born.

For information or to leave a condolence please visit www.zmmemorials.com.