We regret to inform you of the passing of Robert Kirschner Z”L, who was Niftar at the age of 86.

Obituary: Robert Kirschner’s life was deeply interwoven with the town of Lakewood, N.J., where he was born. The son of Nathan and Jeanette (Warm) Kirschner, Bob spent his youth collecting stamps and coins, building model airplanes, fishing at Lake Carasaljo, and racing soapbox cars down Forest Avenue.

Bob attended Lakewood Public Schools and graduated in 1957. During his high school years, he was a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 4. He played football and baseball and was a key pitcher on the 1957 Shore Conference and Central Jersey Championship baseball team.

In his junior year of high school, Bob joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving actively with the Atlantic Fleet for two years after graduation. He then enrolled at Montclair State Teachers College, earning his B.A. in 1963 and M.A. in 1967. It was at Montclair that he met his wife, Frances Stern. Their bond, both personal and professional, would become a cornerstone of his life.

In 1963, Bob began dual careers in education and real estate. He started as a teacher at Lakewood High School and spent 36 years in the Lakewood Public Schools as a classroom teacher, guidance and career counselor, and administrator. He supervised five departments and was instrumental in developing the district’s technology program, overseeing the creation of the first technology labs and spearheading the computerization of school libraries. For his innovative efforts, he received a Certificate of Distinction from the New Jersey Department of Education.

As a career counselor, Bob established a state-funded job placement program that helped thousands of Lakewood High School students find employment. The Career Center he created earned national recognition and served as a model throughout the state.

During their many years teaching together at Lakewood High School, Bob and Fran supported many students through anonymous gifts of sneakers and athletic jackets.  They even took a couple of students into their home temporarily. For 36 years until their retirement, Bob and Fran ate lunch together every day.

Along with his career in education, Bob founded Arrow Affiliates Real Estate, Inc., which he later renamed Robert Kirschner Real Estate, Inc., He handled all aspects of real estate sales, while his company Robert Kirschner Properties focused on building rehabilitation and residential relocations.

In 1992, Bob’s love for his alma mater led him to co-organize the Lakewood All-Class Reunion in celebration of the town’s centennial. He also founded the Lakewood High School Alumni Association and served as its first president. Under his guidance, the association became an active organization, hosting Hall of Fame Luncheons and raising funds for scholarships and school initiatives.

Bob’s civic involvement extended beyond education and business. For more than 15 years, he served on the Lakewood Industrial Commission, including many years as Chairman, helping to establish one of New Jersey’s largest municipally operated industrial parks and spearheading expansion of the Lakewood Airport, including a design for a new terminal. He was also a member of the Lakewood Rotary Club, the Mayor’s Committee on the Handicapped, the Lakewood Lions Club, and various reunion committees for the Class of 1957. In 2003, Bob and Fran were named Citizens of the Year by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.  Bob enjoyed interacting with the many facets of Lakewood’s diverse community, and all appreciated his warmth, personal concern for every person, gentle humor, integrity, generosity, and thoughtful perspective.

Bob was instrumental in designing and rehabbing the Sheldon Wolpin Lakewood Historical Museum, which opened in 2012. He also donated multiple items to the collection of memorabilia telling Lakewood’s history.

Bob also assisted his wife Fran with her career in public relations at Frantasy Enterprises, serving as chauffeur as well as consultant on her many endeavors. Together, Bob and Fran dedicated over 70 years to education and public service.

Bob was a proud and loving father and delighted grandfather, master of puns, and dedicated fan of the New York Yankees. He was also a proud supporter of the State of Israel through its Israel bond program.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Frances (Stern); son Brian and daughter-in-law Caren of Elkins Park, Pa., and their son Nathan; daughter Pamela (Kirschner) Weinfeld and her husband Mark of Newton, Mass., and their children Andrew, Jessica, and Alyssa; and sister Carole (Kirschner) Snyder of Florida. He was preceded in death by his mother Jeanette (Warm) and father Nathan Kirschner. His grandfather, Nathan Warm, was the personal driver of Rav Aharon Kotler, founder of the Beth Medrosh Gevoha yeshiva in Lakewood, N.J.