Robert J. Misnik

Robert J. Misnik, age 72, of Williamstown, New Jersey, passed away on February 6, 2026.

Born on January 2, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Joseph and Lillian Misnik. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Bonnie, and his children, Amanda and Joseph. He will also be deeply missed by his loyal golden retriever, Riley; his siblings, Joe “Hersh” (in loving memory of Theresa), Marianne (in loving memory of Michael), and Tom “Moose”; his nephew, Daniel (Caitlin); his great nephews, Shane and Cole; and his good friend, Jay (in loving memory of Janet). He was preceded in death by his sister‑in‑law, Susie, and his brother‑in‑law, John.

Bob grew up in the Torresdale section of Northeast Philadelphia. He played football, baseball, and soccer at the Torresdale Boys Club and continued his love of sports at Archbishop Ryan High School, where he played intramurals and ice hockey. He spent much of his childhood outside with neighborhood kids, playing street hockey or baseball. He was a devoted big brother who always looked out for Marianne and never hesitated to protect her.

After graduating from La Salle University, Bob worked at Wall to Wall Sound, where he met the love of his life, Bonnie. Their first date was at a Chicago concert, the beginning of a lifelong love they treasured. In recent years, they especially cherished their time together in Cape May, whether they were relaxing on the beach, wandering through town, discovering new breakfast spots, or ending the evening with ice cream. Those simple moments were their happiest ones, shared side by side.

Bob enjoyed spending summers down the shore with his close friends known as “The Tunas,” proud “graduates” of Saint Tuna Fish University. The Tunas spent many evenings playing pinochle and enjoying cold beers at Aunt Pat and Uncle Al’s house, the place to be in Sea Isle City.

Bob played for La Salle’s hockey team and later returned as a coach.  As a player, growing up during the Broad Street Bullies era, he played as if his hair was on fire; his coaching style was the same.  He was intensely disliked by the players and fans of ANC (Academy of the New Church), often threatened by eternal flames; he served as Captain of the team his senior year, a position rightly deserved.  As a coach, he took the boys on road trips to Annapolis to play the Middies (a great game; you had to be there to appreciate it); the night before the game, after a pizza and beers, there was encounter with some of the boys as they were being threatened by some local thugs which could have gone sideways rather quickly since the clown was packing (cooler heads prevailed) and that same evening (early AM) some of the boys had to be rescued from the University of Georgia wrestling team who had a match the next day They also got a chance to play in Hershey Arena where a rather rude fan insisted on throwing ice cubes at one of his players while he sat in the penalty box (a quick note to his assistant coach "take the bench, I'll be right back"); a sprint around the arena to the opposite side of the rink ended in the 'fan' being 'severely reprimanded' by Bob for his actions (I don't recall if Bob was ejected for his actions).  HAIR ON FIRE.

Bob was a dedicated father to Amanda and Joe. He worked tirelessly to support them through college, at one point holding three jobs, including working security for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was proud to be present for the winning game of the 2008 World Series. He enjoyed attending theater productions with Amanda, and Spamalot held a special place in their hearts. He also taught her practical skills, including how to change her car’s oil. Bob coached Joe and many young players in Monroe Township Little League. They often tossed the equipment bag into the back of his well‑worn Honda and played Two Princes by the Spin Doctors on the way to the ballfield.

Bob was a devoted Notre Dame fan, “gold and blue, through and through.” He passed this passion on to his family. On any autumn Saturday, Bob and his family would be found in front of the TV, cold beer in hand, watching every play. Although Notre Dame has not won a national championship since 1988, his love for the Irish never relented.

Bob was a proud pet parent to Bugs, Soot, Tate, and Riley. He loved tossing a frisbee to Buggles and sharing some grub with Sootie. When the golden retrievers Tate and Riley, named after Notre Dame athletes, joined the family, he enjoyed taking them for walks, watching squirrels from the front yard, and playing with them after dinner.

Bob most recently worked for Avantor Sciences, where he was known as a hardworking and dedicated employee. He brought the same determination he had on the ice to his professional life, always showing drive and energy.

Bob was a selfless man. If Bonnie and the kids were happy, he was happy. He loved quiet moments on hotel balconies in Cape May, sometimes sneaking in a quick nap. He drove Bonnie and Amanda into Philadelphia or New York City for shows, navigating traffic and waiting nearby, content simply knowing they were enjoying themselves. He also loved going to baseball games with Joe, checking out concerts with him, and watching games at the Palestra. A favorite family memory was traveling to Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater, where Joe was able to see his idols up close.

Bob enjoyed the comfort of sweatpants and a Notre Dame T‑shirt, especially his favorite from the 1993 season. He loved a good pen, listening to Phillies games on the radio, playing his Beatles albums, and playing cards and board games with his family.

Burial will be private. Guests are invited to join the family at Library IV on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 1:00 PM. Loved ones will be seated for a meal from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, and all are welcome to stop by, share stories, and celebrate Bob’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bob with a donation to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/.

The family invites you to share a funny moment, a heart‑warming memory, or a message of condolence on his online tribute wall.

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