Robert Schoepflin Obituary

Robert "Bob" Theodore Schoepflin, age 91 of Allendale, New Jersey, was called to his eternal rest on September 18, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 29, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, he was a man of honor, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for his children: Keith Schoepflin of Mahwah, NJ; Renée Schoepflin and her husband, Michael Halaburda of San Francisco, CA; George Schoepflin of Dallas, TX, and his grandchildren: Karen, Jessica and her husband, Trevor Larkin, Carly, Robert, and Parker Robert Schoepflin.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Mildred (Engdahl) and Fred Schoepflin; his beloved wife, Diana Maloof Schoepflin, whose untimely death in 1994 left him a widower at 61.

Bob's academic pursuits were as distinguished as his career; he attended the prestigious Poly Prep in Brooklyn, NY. Skipping ahead several grades, he was accepted to Lehigh University's Business School at the age of 16. Bob was a self-made and determined young man. He put himself through Lehigh by working full-time at the local Pennsylvania Steel Mill during the summer months, and he managed his fraternity's finances in exchange for room and board. While there, Bob competed as a multi-sport athlete in both soccer and lacrosse. In 1952, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Economics and Finance. Bob continued his education earning an Advanced Business Management Degree from Harvard University in 1977 and an Advanced Executive Business Degree from the University of Virginia in 1984.

In 1958, Bob married Diana Maloof in NY. She later joined him in Chicago to begin their life together where they welcomed their first two children, Keith and Renée. A few years later, they were transferred back to corporate headquarters, settling for a short time in Englewood, NJ, where they built their first home and welcomed their third child, George, in 1965.

As Bob quickly ascended the corporate ladder, two more moves were involved: one to Portland, Oregon, and then finally back to the East Coast, ultimately settling his family in Allendale, NJ. They quickly became active members of the community and Guardian Angel Church.

Professionally, Bob was a respected leader, starting his career with American Cyanamid, and quickly rising through to executive levels. He moved on to serve as a Worldwide C-Suite Executive at Union Camp Corporation and ConAgra until he retired from corporate life in 1995.

As if he wasn't busy enough, he volunteered to be the elected President of the USA Paper Chemical Industry and an Executive member of the USA Soap & Detergent Industry.

Bob's civic engagements were unparalleled. He served as a member and president of the Board of Education at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale from 1976 - 1985. As president, he had the distinguished honor of presenting his own children and their classmates with their high school diplomas at graduation.

Following his retirement from corporate life, he was elected to Allendale's town council where he served the town for fifteen dutiful years, nine of those as community president. Through the years, Bob's contributions to the growth of Allendale are far too numerous to post, but a noteworthy one is the advancement of Allendale's development of Land Use, which included the relocation, building, and expansion of the Police Department's headquarters. Bob was also instrumental in building senior and low-income housing; the building project that was most near and dear to his heart was the purchase and development of the "Orchard Common" park, serving Allendale's special needs community.

In recognition of Bob's contributions to the town council, an honary plaque with his name and picture hangs on the wall in police department headquarters. Additionally, members unanimously voted in favor of naming a high-trafficked footpath, "Schoepflin Way," located at the intersection of Crestwood Lake and his beloved home on Cedar Drive, where he lived and raised his family for over 50 years.

Bob's humanitarian work was always a central theme throughout his life. Bob often volunteered to donate hundreds of gifts and play Santa Claus for the inner-city children, who had so little. He gave generously to the Community School in Englewood, NJ, as well as, a plethora of organizations, including his Alma Maters; US Veterans and Wounded Warrior Projects; The American Cancer Society; Crohn's and Colitis Research, and USA Olympics and Special Olympics.

Whenever he wasn't traveling around the world, he looked forward to spending time with his children, grandchildren, and many friends. He took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren excel in sports and assisting in their studies. He loved coaching and especially enjoyed coaching his youngest son, George's soccer team. Long after his children graduated, Bob could be found in the stands cheering on Northern Highlands girls' soccer, (started by his daughter, Renée) well into his 80's.

He brought sunshine and great intellect into every room he entered. His laugh was contagious, always drawing those around him into his light. He was quick with a joke or a wipe of a tear. His generosity was unmatched. He made an indelible mark on this world and left it far better off than when he found it.

Bob always lived life with a glass half-full and NEVER left a room, signed a letter, e-mail, or ended a telephone call without saying or writing, "Keep Smiling."

The Schoepflin family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support during this time of loss. Robert Schoepflin's enduring spirit of service, leadership, and kindness will be profoundly missed and eternally remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

His family will be receiving guests on Thursday, September 26, 2024. from
4-8pm, at the Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey, NJ.

Church Service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10am at the Guardian Angel Church, 320 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ. Mass will be followed by interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 10 Serpentine Road, Tenafly, NJ. There he will rest with his beloved wife, Diana for all of eternity.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed in his name to:

https//www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org
Hospice

The American Cancer Society.
Donate.Cancer.org