Robert J. Beetel Jr.

Robert J. Beetel Jr., (Bob) of Jacksonville passed away on Thursday, May 5th, 2011 at the age of 70. Bob was born in Princeton and raised on the Fort Dix Army base. He was a 1968 graduate of Rider University. Throughout his life, Bob found ways to use his easy charm and infectious sense of humor to reach out and help better the lives of all who knew him. Bob was an active member of the church. Be it teaching CCD, heading up the local youth group, or acting as a mentor, Bob helped bring young people up to adulthood in the church. For the past 15 years, Bob served as a Senior Probation Officer for the State of New Jersey, where everyday, he sought to change the lives of people for the better. Bob loved the outdoors. He was fond of target shooting, was an active member of the Kinkora Buck Club, and preferred the crisp cool days of autumn to be outside with his boys. Bob coached little league sports for many years, sharing his love of sports and the thrill of the fight. Bob especially enjoyed watching his children and grand children play the sports he loved so much, and was their biggest fan. One of Bob’s passions was to follow Notre Dame Football. No matter how they played on any given weekend or what their record was, Notre Dame had a steadfast ally in Bob Beetel. He was a history buff and would never pass up an opportunity to share his passion. Bob’s Irish heritage was important to him, evidenced in his unwavering efforts to impart a solid belief in strength, God, honor and family to his four children. To Bob, this was what it meant to be Irish. Bob is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Dorothea (Matlack); daughter, Mary Jean Jones (David); three sons, Kevin Beetel (Mary Beth), Kerry Beetel (Karen), Dr. Robert Beetel, III; ten grandchildren, Ryan, Brendan, Allyson, Mikayla, Daniel, Cameron, Schuyler, Aodhán, Teaghan, Kierra; a sister, Elizabeth Lynch (John); and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Tuesday May 10th at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, 260 High Street, Mt. Holly. Interment will follow at the Upper Springfield Cemetery. Friends may call Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly.

Robert J. Beetel Jr.

January 5, 1941 - May 5, 2011