Robert Henry (Bob) Lanes

Robert Henry (Bob) Lanes, 91 died Sunday, March 26, 2023 peacefully on home hospice surrounded by family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of resourcefulness, service, and kindness. He was the widower of Catherine (Cathy Bolan) Lanes with whom he spent 65 years. He is also predeceased by his parents, Seth Howard and Ruth Andersen, and his sister, Jo-An Schlosberg. Born in Newark, NJ, he was raised in Maplewood, NJ, and graduated from Columbia High School in 1949. After serving in the US Navy on the USS Kimberly during the Korean War, he attended Seton Hall University and graduated with a BA in Sociology. Bob and Cathy raised their own family in Spotswood, NJ where in addition to being an involved parent, Bob was also an active participant in the community. Some of his accomplishments included coordinating public and private resources to create a “third space” where teens could “hang out”. In addition, he was active in supporting a variety of sports and recreational activities in Spotswood. He started his professional career as a juvenile probation officer. During his tenure with the State of New Jersey he established Juvenile Conference Committees for all municipalities in Middlesex County. At the time of his retirement, he was the assignment clerk for Middlesex County Family Court. He was an avid sailor, a voracious reader, and enjoyed playing golf and traveling. After relocating to Alachua, Florida he traded his sailboat for a rowboat and enjoyed fishing and the wildlife around his backyard pond. Just before Covid, Bob moved into an assisted living facility in Gainesville, Florida. Then, 18 months later, at age 89, he decided he needed a more active lifestyle and moved into his first apartment. Once on his own, he developed a comfortable routine, and with the help of his daughter, Ariel, he was able to maintain an independent and satisfying lifestyle. He enjoyed sitting by the pool, filling his bird feeders, having treats for the neighbor dogs and even playing the clarinet. Throughout his life, his open and friendly nature led to many friendships with young and old. He had a good long life and was grateful to enjoy retirement for almost as many years as he worked. He will be missed by his children Elizabeth Battinelli (Kenneth Lempicki), Susan Lohr (Robert), Ariel Dove, Robert Jr (Elaine Reyes); his grandchildren, Jillian Battinelli, Kimberly Battinelli (Matthew Kenney), Pamela Hamilton (Matthew), Robert Henry Lanes lll, as well as his newly born great granddaughter, Naomi Layla Hamilton.