Obituary of Robert F. Wade

Robert F. Wade, a father of eight, grandfather of 20, and great-grandfather of seven who valued his faith, his family and his Irish heritage above all else, died of natural causes this week, joining his late wife, Joan V. (Molloy) Wade in eternal rest. He was 91.

Bob - formerly of Roselle, Clinton and Washington Township, N.J. - and Joan were born and raised in Bayonne, N.J., and raised their family in Roselle and Clinton, N.J.

A graduate of Seton Hall Prep and University, Bob also attended New York’s Regis High School. He was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, but decided instead to marry his childhood sweetheart. Nevertheless, he proudly served with the U.S. Navy as a Corpsman.

He worked his way from laboratory technician to a national leadership role in labor relations for Exxon Research and Engineering Co.

Bob served the Knights of Columbus (KofC) as Grand Knight of the Roselle, N.J., council, as a New Jersey District Deputy, and in a variety of state roles, before being elected New Jersey State Deputy from 1981-1983. 

He retired from Exxon to take a global role at KofC headquarters in New Haven, Conn., from which he retired in 2001 as Deputy Supreme Knight of the 1.9 million-member Catholic organization. He was also a Knight of Malta and a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher.

During his tenure with the Supreme Council, he led many programs, including Pope John Paul’s visits to the United States and the Pontiff’s celebration of Mass at Aqueduct Race Track in 1995. He often exuberantly discussed frequent audiences with His Holiness and his work in helping the Knights support the work of Mother Teresa.

Bob was a long-time bagpiper with the Saint Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band of Kearny, N.J. Several of his children played for and remain involved in the band. He was also a season-ticket holder and major fan of the New York Football Giants and counted the late Giants owner Wellington Mara among his friends.

He and his wife also maintained a residence in Alton Bay, N.H., and generated many family memories with their children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Mary), Kevin (Mary), Donald (Erin), Cathleen (Raymond), Colleen (Patrick), Brian (Kristin), Joan (Andrew) and Dennis (Keri), and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary, Katherine and Josephine, and his brother Peter. In addition to his wife, Bob was predeceased by his Irish-born parents, Bridget of Coolboy, Co. Cork, and Luke of Skerries, Co. Dublin, as well as his brothers Joseph, Thomas and Luke.

Friends and relatives may visit with Robert’s family on Wednesday, December 6^th, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Mass of Catholic Burial will be offered on Thursday, December 7^th at 11:30 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church, 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale, NJ 08801. Entombment with US Naval Honors will follow in the church mausoleum. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.martinfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please Click Here to Donate