Obituary of Robert Edward McEntee

Robert Edward McEntee, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024, among family and caregivers, in his Venice, Florida home. Known as “Bob” to friends and “Pop” to his 17 grandchildren, he was born on March 22, 1932 in Franklin, NJ to William and Marie McEntee, the fifth of eight children. He was a man of immense grace and generosity who never forgot his humble roots and upbringing.

Bob was a devoted husband and father, living in West Caldwell, NJ from 1962 to 1992, when he and his wife, Ruth (Kathalynas) McEntee, moved to Spring Lake, NJ and Venice, FL in 1994, and then full-time to Venice, FL in 2019.

He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 67 years, the key to and wellspring of his rich and fruitful life. With hands and hearts interlaced, Bob and Ruth traveled the world, including the Far East, Egypt, and throughout Europe with multiple trips to Ireland. They shared enjoyment of golf, the symphony and opera, sport spectating, and Frank Sinatra. From their first encounter passing on the streets of Scranton to his final moments blowing farewell kisses, Bob loved and cherished Ruth.

Together, they raised five children - Kathleen (Gregg) Stapleton, Susan (John) Saxer, Jane (James) Donofrio, Bob (Kathleen) McEntee, Christopher McEntee - and fostered a progeny that includes 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sisters Catherine, Dolores, Mary, and brothers Bill and Dick, and survived by two sisters, Peggy Ann and Pat.

Steadfast in demeanor, daily habit, and religious faith, Bob maintained a heart of gold that radiated to all who knew and loved him. He never met a stranger - be it cashier or corporate leader – and was able to make connections with all who crossed his path. His departure will reverberate through family, friends, and community.

Bob graduated from Villanova University in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. During his career he was a Certified Public Accountant with Price Waterhouse (now PWC), a Divisional President for Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline), President of Russ Berrie & Co. and an independent corporate financial consultant.

In his governance roles, he served on Board of Directors of Valley National Bancorp and Russ Berrie, was a trustee of the Archdiocese of Newark Cathedral Health, a member of the Pension Board of the Archdiocese of Newark, a member of the Finance Board of the Diocese of Venice, finance councils of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice FL and Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell NJ. Bob was also a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on May 14 at Epiphany Cathedral, Venice FL. Arrangements are being handled by Farley Funeral Home in Venice, FL. Inurnment will be in Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The William and Marie McEntee Endowed Scholarship at Villanova University, Villanova, PA, St. Ann’s Monastery, Scranton PA, or The Tidewell Hospice Foundation.