Robert Stanton “Bob” Garver, of Princeton Junction, NJ, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 19th, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Born in Utica, NY in 1942, Bob was the son of Walter Benjamin “Ben” Garver and Elizabeth C. Garver (née Stanton.) He graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1960, and was a member of the Union College Class of 1964. He received a master’s degree from Pace University in 1970.
Bob spent a 35-year career in corporate lending and private banking in New York City. During a series of corporate mergers, Bob worked for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, Chemical Bank, Chase Bank, and ultimately retired from J.P. Morgan Chase in 2002.
Bob married his wife Elizabeth Ann (née Ryan) in 1967 and together they raised four children and were blessed with eight grandchildren.
Although Bob was an active supporter of many charitable and community organizations, the main focus of his life outside of his family was St. David the King Roman Catholic Church, a parish he helped establish and which sustained him in his final days. Bob was a former Trustee, and served as a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister at St. David the King.
Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #14716 at St. David the King, volunteered with the youth reading program at Martin House in Trenton, and was a member of many organizations including the Princeton Photography Club, the Anglers’ Club of New York, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and Trout Unlimited. Bob’s involvement in the community included youth sports, notably serving as president of the West Windsor PBA basketball program for several years. He also volunteered as a photographer at numerous fund-raising events for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
An avid fly fisherman, Bob passed on his love for the outdoors to his children on countless canoe trips and fishing expeditions -- and especially on annual trips to the Ausable River in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. Bob was also a talented and enthusiastic photographer, and loved to document family vacations and his grandchildren’s school and recreational events, often tracking down the parents of their teammates to make sure that he was able to share photographs of their children as well.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth; four children: Rob Garver and his wife, Stacey Dash, of Alexandria, VA; Tom Garver and his wife, Jenn, of Springfield, VA; Jennifer Landis and her husband, John, of Skillman, NJ; and Karin Garver, of Lawrenceville, NJ; as well as eight grandchildren: Jack, Ryan, Ben, Andrew, Lauren, Anna, Liam, and Connor. He is also survived by his sister, Gail Grinnell, of Williamson, NY, and three nephews: Christopher, Ian, and Joshua Bieszad.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes that the community he loved remain safe, his family will observe a private mass of Christian burial. A public celebration of his life will take place at St. David the King at a time when people can gather safely.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bob’s memory by making a donation to your local food bank. At a time when so many in our communities are struggling to put food on the table, the family is certain that Bob would appreciate any effort to lighten their burden.