Robert Peter DeCillis Sr

Robert “Bob” Peter DeCillis,Sr, 74, of Hainesport, NJ passed away at home early Tuesday, March 26, 2019, after being surrounded all week by the love of countless family members and friends. Born May 13,1944 in Newark, NJ, Bob, an independent and resourceful teen, raised himself and graduated with honor from the School of Hard Knocks - and Irvington High School. An athletic and competitive softball player and an avid fan of horse racing and recreational betting, Bob would be quick to tell everyone that the luckiest day of his life was SuperBowl Sunday, 1992 when he met and soon married the love of his life, his best friend and soulmate, Donna Hullings Champion DeCillis. Bob was greeted this week in heaven by his son Anthony DeCillis, his mother, Elizabeth and stepfather Howie Gaze, his dad, Pete, and mother-in-law Joan Hullings. Nannie Gunsche was also waiting for him. (We’re sure she is happy she never had to use the shotgun she told Bob she had if he didn’t take care of Donna!) Bob is survived by his beloved wife Donna, his sons Robert DeCillis, Jr. of Hainesport, Bret DeCillis (Damaris) of Hainesport, and Dion DeCillis (Wendy) of Ft. Pierce,FL, and his stepson (which is simply a title, not the way Bob felt) Ron Champion (Christina) of Mansfield, TX. He is also survived by brother Michael DeCillis (Maureen) of Avon, NY and sister Denise Crouch (Ray) of Honeoye Falls, NY. His fan club consisted of 6 in-law sisters and brothers (the UnD’s or Outlaws) 15 nieces and nephews, many, many friends, and 15 grandchildren who adored PopPop and were adored in return. Paul, Tony, and Al will have to discuss the horses amongst themselves. The family would especially like to thank Margaret VanBuren for her unfailing friendship, care, and love of Bob - and the promises made to him to be diligent and determined to make sure Donna is living her best life moving forward. Although Bob may have beat most of us to life’s finish line, his family and friends consider ourselves the ultimate winners for having been blessed by his unconditional love, steadfast support, good-natured personality, and dependably mood-lifting sense of humor. A memorial celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church at 910 Marne Hwy in Hainesport, NJ on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11 am. Visiting hours will be 9:30 until the service starts. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity in Bob’s honor, or to St. Paul’s Lutheran church. Arrangements by the Perinchief Chapels, Mount Holly. www.perinchief.com

Robert Peter DeCillis Sr

May 13, 1944 - March 26, 2019