Obituary of David Gerard Bobal

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Gerard Bobal on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of 66, after a challenging year of health issues. Dave passed away peacefully, surrounded in love by his immediate family.

Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Sherry Ann Bobal (Ruck), and their children, Lianne (Clark) and her husband, Daniel (DC), and Sean and his wife, Jillian, who are parents to Dave’s precious grandchildren, Elena and Henry. He is also survived by his brother, Gerard Bobal, as well as his aunts, Barbara Neder and Sister Helen Neder. Dave was predeceased by his parents, George and Gloria Bobal, and his sister-in-law, Kathleen Bobal, and Francis and Miriam Bobal.

In addition, Dave leaves behind a loving extended family, including his sister-in-law, Suzanne Thompson and her husband, David; brother-in-law, Kevin Ruck and his wife, Lisa; and his mother-in-law, Linda Cowan and her husband, William; father-in-law, Brian D. Ruck and his wife, Kathy. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Brian A. Ruck. Dave will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Dave graduated from St. John Vianney School (Colonia), St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Edison, NJ) and St. John's University (Staten Island). He retired in 2010 after a distinguished career with the Woodbridge Police Department, where he proudly served as a Detective Lieutenant. In retirement, his greatest joy came from his family, especially his children whose life accomplishments made him so proud, and grandchildren, who were also the light of his life. Whether he was snuggling, playing, watching a favorite show, or babysitting his beloved grandchildren, Dave cherished every moment he spent with them.

He was also a devoted supporter of his children’s athletic pursuits, particularly their college lacrosse careers. Distance was never a deterrent—whether it was a game in New Jersey or a road trip to Louisville, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia or North Carolina, Dave rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on.

A lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers, Black Hawks and Rangers. Dave found joy in sharing his passions and creating lasting memories with his loved ones. Among his most treasured moments were family summer vacations to Hilton Head, Aruba, and the countless trips to Bermuda. One of his most unforgettable adventures was celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary with a dream trip to Alaska.

Dave had a deep love for animals, especially his beloved bulldog, Reggie, and grand-dogs Toby, and Teddy.

Dave's kindness, humor, stories, guidance, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His legacy of love and laughter will be cherished forever.

The family wanted to take this time to publicly THANK all the nurses, doctors and staff who treated him for his various health issues this past year at Hunterdon Medical Center and the local medical community. The care and compassion of all of you who met him to try to help and heal him, to make him feel comfortable and for the last week of his life, let him pass with dignity will not be forgotten.

Memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 4^th from 4:00 until 8:00PM at the Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Funeral mass will be offered on Thursday, December 5^th at 10:30AM at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale NJ 08801. Entombment of Dave’s urn will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hunterdon Health Foundation ~ Lights of Love at: 

https://www.hunterdonhealth.org/hunterdon-healthcare-foundation/ways-to-give/tribute-gifts