Robert Henry Nafash

Robert Henry Nafash, 80, of River Edge passed away on April 12, 2021. He was born at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, NJ on August 13, 1940.

Beloved husband of Diane Victoria Nafash for 38.5 yrs. Dear brother of the late Harold Nafash and the late Joan Nafash. Cherished son of the late Olga Nafash nee Gorab and Henry Nafash born in Syria. Dear brother-in-law of Jeanne Nafash and her sisters Eileen and June Baker, David and Ilona Binns, Jonathan Binns, Larysa Binns and Douglas and Patricia Binns of Clearwater Bay, Ontario, Canada. Devoted uncle of Lisa-Marie 0. Lynn and her husband Robert, Nicole A. Malizia and her husband Anthony and Melissa H. Nafash. Loving great-uncle of Tyler Lynn, Alexis Lynn, Vincent Malizia, Angelina Malizia, Brayden Pagan and Troy & Carter Binns of Alliston, Ontario, Canada. Also survived by numerous first and second cousins.

Bob spent his childhood in Union City NJ, and at age 11 he moved with his family to Hasbrouck Heights where he attended Hasbrouck Heights High School. Further studies took him to Fairleigh Dickinson University where he received a Bachelor of Science in June 1962, Montclair State College where he earned his Master of Arts in June 1956. He also studied at Wagner College.

Bob taught Chemistry & Organic Chemistry at North Bergen High School for 45 years. He was the Financial Advisor of the Negotiating team North Bergen Federation of Teachers, He was very loyal to the NBFT Local 1060 serving as Union Treasurer for 40 years. Bob was always very pleased when former students would call him to say "Thank you, Mr. Nafash, you really prepared me for my college days! I cannot thank you enough!"

Bob was a member and Elder of South Presbyterian Church in Bergenfield NJ. During his term as President of the Church Corporation, he was able to work with the Historic Trust to raise funds to renovate the almost 300 year old Sanctuary. He served for many years on the Foundation Finance Committee to support the work of the church and keep it stable for many years to come.

In 2005 he retired from teaching to travel and enjoy the many hobbies he had 'collected' over the years and never had time to do while teaching. His first love was photography. He also enjoyed making jewelry, hand-cutting coins, he loved to build bird houses, and loved his garden. His pride and joy was taking care of his lawn and growing summer vegetables.

Bob really loved his volunteer work for CHORE. A dual impact program. First, it keeps active seniors meaningfully engaged in community service. Secondly, by installing grab bars and railings and performing other minor, safety repairs, the Chore Service ensures that senior citizens and the disabled remain independent and safe in their homes.

Visiting at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 S. Washington Avenue, Bergenfield on Tuesday April 20, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8PM. Funeral Service at South Presbyterian Church, 150W. Church St., Bergenfield on Wednesday at 11AM followed by interment at South Church Cemetery.

The service will be live-streamed on youtube.com and the Facebook site of South Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Presbyterian Church, 150 W Church Street, Bergenfield, NJ 07621 or Bergen Volunteers Chore Service, 64 Passaic St. Hackensack, NJ. 07601 in Memory of Robert H. Nafash.

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun.

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

Helen Lowrie Marshall