Robert L. Scully died peacefully at home on July 31, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters.
Robert (Bob) was born June 12, 1941 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and grew up in the Bronx. He attended Fordham Prep, the College of the Holy Cross and earned a PhD in physics from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
During his career, Bob first worked for the National Security Agency, then in applied physics in the power/energy industry (EBASCO and Raytheon). He then transitioned into the automotive industry (Breed Technologies) after which he was granted three patents for his unique inventions. Bob then moved to the computer field and worked with large databases (Dun & Bradstreet). He finished his career as he started it, teaching high school physics.
Most importantly, Robert was a family man. He was always there for his three sisters and his three daughters, for his nieces and nephews, as well as for friends who he considered part of his family. He encouraged and supported his children in whatever activity or sport they participated in, including track and field, gymnastics, crew, tennis, and triathlon. Additionally, Bob gave of himself through a variety of volunteer activities: he volunteered as a part of the Verona Music band pit crew for seven years; as a parishioner at Our Lady of the Lake Church he was a sixth grade CCD teacher for 35 years, he brought students to work at St John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark each month for more than 25 years, and he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister.
Robert had other outside interests that were near and dear to his heart. He was a sprinter in high school and college, he competed in several decathlons in his thirties, and was a runner for many years after that. He loved Maine and treasured the summers spent in South Portland from his childhood through last summer. He passed that love on to his children and grandchildren who look forward to time spent at Willard Beach each year. Bob was a dedicated bird watcher since he was about 15 years old. He was always ready to share information and details about birds with whomever would listen no matter where he happened to be. A highlight of his birding career was the publication of the detailed study he completed of the Golden-winged Warbler in the New Jersey watershed area habitat. Bob was also an amateur photographer and as a result he has left us with many photo memories over the years.
Robert was predeceased by his parents Henry and Marian (Cullinan) Scully.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Patricia; his three daughters Dianne, Eileen (Sebastian Seiguer), and Carolyn; his two grandchildren Grace and Luke; his three sisters Susan Scully (Barry Braunstein), Jane Reichle, and Margaret Kennedy (Michael); and many nieces and nephews.
Robert was a vibrant, loving part of our family and his community, and a true friend to many. He will be greatly missed and we are all better for having known him.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Special Olympics of New Jersey (www.sonj.org) or Verona Rescue Squad, 12 Church Street, Verona, NJ 07044 (veronars.org) would be appreciated.
