Robert Filler

Robert (Bob) Filler, 96, of Stockton, New Jersey, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the Bridgeway Care Center in Bridgewater.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Bob was the son of the late Louis and Julia (German) Filler.  Louis and Julia each immigrated with their families from Europe to the US in the early 1900’s. Bob lived in Garfield until 1943, when the family moved to a small farm in Stockton on Byram Kingwood Road.  During his time living on the farm he developed a deep love for nature and animals.

Bob graduated from Frenchtown High School in 1946. From there, Bob joined the US Army where he served as an MP.  After the Army, Bob worked numerous jobs in many states, including serving as a seaman on multiple merchant marine ships based in Pennsylvania, a clerk at the AEC nuclear facility at the Portsmouth, Ohio and his favorite of all jobs, driving a route for Good Humor Ice Cream in California. He later served 25 years with the New Jersey State Police as a crime scene photographer, retiring in 1992.

Bob had multiple interests, including sketching, piano, painting, accordion, gardening, classical music, (but not housekeeping!)

The Filler family always enjoyed a close relationship with the members of the Clover Rod and Gun Club of Stockton.  Club members would invite Bob to their annual game dinner.  Bob insisted that his property be sold to the Gun Club, as he knew they would never allow his land to be developed. 

One of Bob’s favorite activities was visiting various diners and that is how he met his great friend Steve Minck, of Erwinna, PA. in the late 1990’s.  Together they enjoyed hiking, poetry night, and spaghetti at the fire house.  Steve became somewhat of a caregiver for Bob when he could no longer drive.  He accompanied Bob to diners, doctor appointments, and performed many of Bob’s personal chores and never stopped making Bob laugh. 

Another spaghetti night attendee was Doug Healy, of Hopewell, NJ.  Doug included Bob at his family’s holiday dinners and in later years, picking him up literally and figurately (carrying him up the stairs in his wheelchair). Doug helped him order groceries and personal items and connected with Bob over the phone for book readings.  Bob commented that Doug was such a great reader that Doug didn’t have to name the character in the story as he would change his voice to fit each person.   

Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Filler, and sister in law, Marie Filler, of Broomfield CO. He is survived by his niece, Roberta (Robbie) Berlin and her husband, Gary of Colorado, and niece Susan Kendal of Paterson.  

Private funeral services have been entrusted to the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. 

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