Robert A. Hennessy

Robert A. Hennessy, 69, Funeral Director, of Williamstown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October, 10, 2018, at home with his loving family by his side. 

Bob was born in Philadelphia, Pa on August 3, 1949, lived on 2nd & Tree St. before moving to Mays Landing and later residing in his Williamstown residence in 1978.  He was a graduate of Oakcrest High School in 1967.  It was there he met his high school sweetheart Diane and they were later married in 1969.  He attended Atlantic County Community College and later American Academy Institute McAllister where he received his degree in Mortuary Science in 1974.  Prior to the funeral business, Bob and Diane were proud owners of Hennessy’s Corner Store in Mays Landing. 

Bob has owned and operated Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home Inc. since 1980. He has served many families over the years as a funeral director, which have become extended families to him. The families he served were his #1 priority. He proudly transitioned the funeral home into the hands of his sons, Robert and Patrick in the early 2000’s. 

Bob would never accept mediocrity because he put his heart and soul into everything he did. It all started as a youth when he was a Philadelphia Yo-Yo Champion.  Living near the Jersey Shore he was an avid surfer.  His family vacations included the Jersey Shore and ski trips. He enjoyed entertaining friends and family at his Sea Isle City home. The ski vacations were road trips to Vermont and the Poconos.  Like everything else he did the activity of skiing became his passion and spent many years as a ski instructor at Ski Mountain in Pine Hill.  He relished competition whether playing men’s softball on Church Street in Williamstown or coaching Monroe Twp. Boys or St. Mary’s School Basketball.  One of his coaching highlights was coaching his sons and winning the town league championship. 

Some of his other well-known talents and true passions were golf and dance.  He was a member of Little Mill Country Club and most recently Wedgewood Country Club.  He was fondly known as “Digger” on the golf course. He embodied the beauty of dance his entire life. One of his proudest moments was in 2014 as he won the Gloucester County Dancing with the Stars helping to raise money for the Arc Gloucester and appearing on stage with Derick and Julianne Hough “Move” Tour.  Above all whether on the dance floor or golf course, Bob cherished building new relationships and mixing in a little competition.

Bob was a faithful member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and a former lector.  He was a former member and past president of the Williamstown Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a 4th degree member of Knights of Columbus Mater Christi Council #3352.  Bob and Diane were the Grand Marshall at the 2017 Williamstown Halloween Parade.  He was a devoted fan of Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Villanova Basketball. Bob was a long time Eagles Season ticket holder and was in his glory this past February celebrating the Super Bowl Championship with his family and friends.

His adoration and love for his family and life were immense. His presence, humor and smile were larger than life.  His generosity, advice and respect for others will never be forgotten.

Beloved husband of Diane (nee DeClementi) for 49 years.  Loving son of the late Robert and Veronica Hennessy. Devoted father of Robert (Amy) Hennessy, Patrick (Jennifer) Hennessy and the late Gina Hennessy.  Loving grandfather of Gianna, Jayden, Maggie, Noah and Declan.  Dear brother of Dennis (Joanne) Hennessy and Lois (Richard) Townsend.  Loving uncle of many nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews. Also surviving are many extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his Jack Russell companion “Jackie Rae”.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Sunday, October 14th from 2:00 – 8:00 PM and on Monday, October 15th from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at the BELL-HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, 420 S. Main St., Williamstown.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Peace Parish / St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Main St. & Carroll Ave., Williamstown.  Entombment All Saints Cemetery, Newfield.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to o Our Lady of Peace Parish, 32 Carroll Ave., Williamstown, NJ 08094.

Condolences and memories may be shared online @ www.bell-hennessy.com.

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