Robert S. Stess

Robert S. Stess, 88 of Red Bank, N.J. died on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Mr. Stess was born and raised in Perth Amboy, N.J., later residing in Fair Haven and most recently Red Bank. A graduate of Perth Amboy High School, he attended N.Y.U. and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a Free and Accepted Mason and a member of Congregation B’nai Israel in Rumson. He was an active member of Raritan Council BSA. He loved traveling and was an avid boater who loved fishing. He was the executive of Raritan Candy and Tobacco Company and Nut House Nuts in Perth Amboy, N.J. He also opened the first soft serve ice cream stand in Perth Amboy. Mr. Stess was the proprietor of Airport Plaza Bar and Liquors for 25 years. He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather, who was a successful business man renowned for his work ethic and sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his loving parents Jack and Dora, and wife Edith of 63 years. Surviving are three sons and their wives, Martin and Susan of Flemington, N.J. Larry and Suzanne of Freehold, N.J. and Ken of Rye, NH. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, David, Andrea Cassandra, Danielle, Steven and Jessica. Contributions in Robert’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .

Services will be held on Friday at 10:00AM at Congregation B’nai Israel, 171 Ridge Rd., Rumson, N.J. Shiva will be observed at the Stess residence in Red Bank. Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, Manalapan, N.J. is in charge of the arrangements.

The local family is being assisted by Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Please visit Mr. Stess’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can share a public or private message of condolence as well as share stories and photos of his life.