Obituary of Joseph R. King
Joseph Robert King “Bobby” died after a short illness on October 28, 2020 at the age of 85 years old. Bobby was born on July 4, 1935 in Morristown NJ to Kathleen Smith King and James King. He grew up the youngest of three children and was involved in endless high jinks as a child to the delight of his sister Mary Ann and Brother Jimmy.
He attended the Morristown school district where he was well known by family and friends as the “Duke”. He joined the Army in 1956 and served overseas ensuring the safety of our nation and preserving our freedom both as an active duty member of the Army and later in the Army Reserves. After his service in the Army he trained to become a professional Latherer and worked for many years in the local Wood, Wire and Metal Lathing Union.
Throughout his life he was a devoted to his family who he always put first above all else. He moved his Mother from Morristown to Mendham in the 1970’s to be close to her daughter Mary Ann and granddaughters Kathy and Janet. He lovingly cared for his Mother until her death at age 78. He spent countless hours being a wonderful Uncle to his nieces and nephew Terry, Kathy, Jimmy, and Janet and was consistently there for them as their “Second Dad” throughout their childhood. In his later years, he was cared for by his Niece Janet who he proudly referred to as his honorary daughter and was the loving Great Uncle of Sean and Ashlyn.
Bobby is survived by his Niece Janet and husband Roy Schijns and her children Sean Reardon and Ashlyn Szilva; niece and nephew Terry Zimmerman King and James King Jr, and his sister in law Theresa King. Bobby is predeceased by his mother and father Kathleen Smith and James King, his sister Mary Ann and her husband Walter and daughter Kathy, and his brother James King.
A private family service will be held in respect of our current pandemic situation. In lieu of flowers Bobby asks that donations be made to the Market Street Mission in his name to help fund Thanksgiving Dinner for those in need. www.marketstreet.org/donate
