Robert Stephen Kasko passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026 at Haven Hospice at JFK University Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on March 31, 1940 in the Bronx, New York, Bob was the son of Stephen and Helen (Foldhazy) Kasko. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Joan (Buckle) Kasko, his parents, and most recently, his loving companion, Patricia ("Pat") Lagay, with whom he shared ten wonderful years after reconnecting at a school reunion.

Bob is survived by his son Jeffrey Kasko, son Gregory Kasko and his wife Lynda Kasko, and daughter Nancy (Kasko) Jogis. He cherished being a grandfather and was immensely proud of all eight of his grandchildren: Sarah and Hayley Kasko, Kelsey Jogis, and Stephen, Justin, Nicholas, Sean, and Brendan Kasko. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Bob called Avenel, Colonia, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Brick, Iselin, and Metuchen home throughout his life. A standout basketball and track athlete, he graduated from Woodbridge High School, where he was a member of the mile relay team that won first place at the 1957 Penn Relays. He earned a track scholarship to Seton Hall University, where he competed for four years under legendary coach Johnny Gibson and was elected captain during both his junior and senior years. As a senior, Bob anchored the mile relay team at the 1961 Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden, an accomplishment that was followed later that week by an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated on February 6, 1961. He was a two-time inductee into the Woodbridge Township Athletic Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Seton Hall, he returned to Woodbridge High School as a physical education teacher and track coach, producing county, state, and Penn Relay champions. After receiving a Master's degree in Education Administration from Rutgers University, he served as Athletic Director at Colonia High School, District Athletic Director for Woodbridge Township, Vice Principal at both Colonia and Woodbridge High Schools, Principal of Woodbine Avenue Elementary School, and ultimately Principal of John F. Kennedy High School until his retirement in June 1996.

While Bob's athletic and professional accomplishments were impressive, his greatest pride was always his family.

He met the love of his life, Joan, while they were both teachers in the Woodbridge Township School District. They first crossed paths while auditioning for a district musical production organized by fellow teachers. Together, they built a happy life, starting their family in Colonia before settling in Westfield. In retirement, they moved to Brick, where they enjoyed spending their days by the Jersey Shore.

As a father, Bob was deeply invested in all three of his children's lives, especially their athletic pursuits. Whether coaching, mentoring, training, or simply cheering from the sidelines, he was their biggest supporter and he never missed a game or meet. That same devotion extended to his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Nicknamed “G-Pa”, Bob took immense pride in celebrating every one of their academic, athletic, extracurricular, and professional achievements. His grandchildren were truly the light of his life.

One of Bob’s favorite hobbies was fishing, a passion that began when he was just five years old alongside his father Stephen. He enjoyed bringing his children to Spruce Run many times when they were younger. He cherished annual trips with his son Greg to a remote lake in Canada to enjoy fishing together.

Summers were spent down the shore, enjoying boat rides on Barnegat Bay, paddle boating, kayaking, and crabbing in the lagoon, swimming and playing games in the pool, and spending time together as a family. He enjoyed socializing with friends and always looked forward to spending winters in Marco Island, Florida.

He was a meticulous gardener, tending to his carefully curated vegetables and flowers. He was a loyal fan of the Los Angeles (Brooklyn) Dodgers and the New York Knicks, enjoying watching both teams win championships this past year.

He had an amazing singing voice, oftentimes participating at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, where many fondly remember his solo performances of O Holy Night on Christmas Eve. Family and friends could often hear him singing along to favorites from The Beach Boys, Johnny Mathis, and Andrea Bocelli to the nursery rhymes he loved sharing with his grandchildren.

Some of the memories his family will cherish most are the simplest ones: long walks around Shore Acres, grocery shopping trips to the A&P, evenings watching television with a bowl of ice cream and the cat in his lap, coffee and donuts with a crossword puzzle in the morning, and many days and late nights spent playing cards, Left Right Center, Trivial Pursuit, and Scrabble.

Bob’s kindness, steady presence, sense of humor, and above all, his endless love and pride for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

And for those who knew him best, it is comforting to imagine that somewhere, it is five o'clock, and he is enjoying a perfectly chilled Belvedere, straight up, with stuffed olives.