Robert Errera

Robert C. Errera, of Clayton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026. He was 81 years old.

Bob was born in Philadelphia on July 24, 1945, to the late Domenic and Mary (Avila) Errera. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Bob was stationed in Thailand and Minot, North Dakota, where he met the love of his life, Carole Haabak. For both of them, it was love at first sight. Bob was so certain that Carole was the one that he insisted she move to his hometown of Philadelphia, where they began building a beautiful life together. Their journey eventually brought them to Clayton, New Jersey, where they continued to grow their life, their family, and the love they shared.

Following his service in the Air Force, Bob established his own plumbing and heating company, G & B Plumbing, in Philadelphia. For more than 28 years, he specialized in commercial work, building a successful business through hard work, dedication, and an unmistakable love for what he did. Although Bob worked tirelessly, work never really felt like work to him. That was simply the kind of man he was. Over the years, his employees became much more than coworkers; they became family. The bonds they shared went beyond the job, and they were always there for one another, offering support and kindness whenever it was needed.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and friend, and his presence in the community was impossible to miss. Everyone knew Bob! He had a familiar routine and found joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life. During tomato season, you could always find him tending to his garden, carefully nurturing his plants and eagerly awaiting the fruits of his labor. But Bob's greatest joy was sharing what he grew. Neighbors and passersby soon became friends, and it wasn't unusual for someone to stop by with an empty bag, knowing Bob would happily fill it with his homegrown tomatoes. To Bob, it was never just about sharing tomatoes; it was about sharing a little kindness, a conversation, and a piece of himself with everyone who crossed his path.

Bob's dedication to serving others extended deeply into his faith and his church community. As a longtime member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Clayton, he formed many lasting friendships through his leadership, generosity, and countless hours of volunteer service. He started and ran the St. Catherine's Church Festival for many years, creating an event that became a much-anticipated tradition for the community. He also organized numerous social events to support church fundraising efforts, including the annual New Year's social, which was always a sold-out success. Bob had a special gift for bringing people together, and he did so with enthusiasm, a generous heart, and a genuine desire to make things better for everyone around him.

For the last 10 years, Bob was a parishioner of St. Bridget's Church in Glassboro, where he continued his faithful service by volunteering his time and talents on numerous restoration projects. Known affectionately as the church's “Mr. Fix-It Man,” Bob could seemingly fix just about anything. If something was broken, Bob was the person you called. He never hesitated to lend a hand, and he was always willing to put his skills to work for the benefit of others. His faith was not simply something he practiced; it was something he lived every day through his actions, his generosity, and his willingness to serve.

Bob's commitment to his community also extended into local government and civic life. Throughout his career, he remained actively involved in Clayton and Franklinville, serving on planning boards and participating in a wide range of community efforts. He believed in being involved, giving back, and doing whatever he could to help others. For Bob, service was never about recognition or praise. It was simply who he was.

When Bob wasn't working or volunteering, he loved nothing more than cooking and entertaining family and friends, especially at his home in Ocean City, Maryland. It was a place where people gathered, shared meals, laughed, and made memories together. Even there, Bob found ways to serve, dedicating more than 20 years as treasurer of the condominium association. Wherever Bob went, he found a way to contribute, connect with others, and make himself an important part of the community.

In his later years, Bob discovered another passion: baking. His homemade bread became a beloved staple at every family dinner, something everyone looked forward to and came to associate with time spent together around the table. Christmas was especially meaningful, as Bob continued his family's Italian traditions by baking his mother's treasured recipes. Each holiday season, he would prepare more than 50 trays of traditional Italian cookies to share with family, friends, and neighbors. These recipes were closely guarded family secrets, lovingly passed down from his mother, and Bob took great pride in keeping those traditions alive. His biscotti, made with his own special touch, were simply irresistible. Everything Bob did was infused with the perfect Italian flair, from the food he prepared to the love and care he put into every detail.

Above all, Bob's life was defined by his love for his family, his devotion to Carole, his pride in his work, and his unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether he was building a business, tending his garden, repairing something at church, preparing a homemade meal, or filling trays with Christmas cookies, Bob gave his time and talents generously. He had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and he created lasting memories through the countless little things he did for others.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, generosity, friendship, and love. He will be remembered not only for all that he accomplished, but for the countless lives he touched along the way. His presence will be deeply missed, but the traditions he cherished, the kindness he shared, and the love he gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Family:

Beloved husband of 58 years to Carole (nee: Haabak) Errera; Best dad of Michelle Schlump (Jordan) and Robert Errera Jr. (Ana); Amazing grandfather of Jake Moore, Julia Moore, Marina Errera, Robert Errera III, Jordan Schlump III (Tori) and Juliet Schlump; Great grandfather of Lenora Schlump; dear brother of Janice Gugliuzza (Tom) and Joan Feldmann (late Jules); Bob leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Farewell Tribute:

Family & friends are invited to the McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080, on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM for a visitation. Funeral Service will begin at 12 PM. Inurnment will follow at the Gloucester County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown, NJ.

Memorial Contributions:

Please consider making a memorial contribution in Bob's name to his church: St. Bridget's University Church, 125 Church Street, Glassboro, NJ 08028. (856) 881-2753.