Obituary of Robert Anthony LeCompte

Robert Anthony LeCompte of Clinton Township, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Bob was born June 20, 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut to the late Stuart and Eleanor (nee Clare) LeCompte

Robert, known affectionately as Bob, spent his early years in Plainfield, New Jersey. A proud Eagle Scout, Bob developed a lifelong love of learning, leadership, and service at a young age.

In 1959, Bob married his first wife, Gail, and soon after joined the U.S. Army, where he served his country for three years. During this time, Bob and Gail began building their family, raising three children together. Following his service, Bob embarked on a distinguished career in the specialty chemical industry. He attended night school at Rutgers University while working full-time, ultimately earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972.

In 1976, Bob and his family moved to Hunterdon County, New Jersey, where he would reside for the rest of his life. In 1984, driven by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, Bob founded Polytek Development Corp., located in Easton, Pennsylvania. Working alongside his daughter and son-in-law, Bob built Polytek into a successful specialty chemicals company, and retired from the business in 2015.

In 1989, Bob married Olive McShane, blending their families and sharing a life rich with love and purpose.

Beyond his professional success, Bob was passionate about caring for land and giving back to his community. In the 1990s, he began acquiring and preserving farmland throughout New Jersey, and founded Valley Crest Preserve. His commitment to fighting hunger led him to play a key role in the early years of America’s Grow-A-Row, through which he helped provide millions of pounds of fresh produce to families in need. Farming and sharing the fruits of his labor remained one of Bob’s greatest joys throughout his life.

Bob will be remembered as one who worked hard and played hard, and for his devotion to family and community.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Olive McShane, and his dedicated caretaker, Marija. He is also survived by his children: Peter LeCompte, Cynthia Salisbury and her husband David, and Christine Price and her husband John. Bob leaves behind five cherished grandchildren—Devon LeCompte, Keelin Salisbury, Mitchell Salisbury, Melissa Price, and William Price—and one great-grandchild. Bob is also survived by step children Jean Tully and her husband Chris, and Brian Tully and his wife Nicole and their children Sophia and Alexander. In addition, Bob is survived by his brothers, Andrew and Richard, and his sister, Clare Jones.

Memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 9th from noon until 3:00 p.m., with words of remembrance starting at 1:30. All services will be held at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made to America’s Grow-a-Row. Please click here to donate

Bob’s legacy of generosity and community impact will continue to inspire all who knew him.