Robert E. Holshue

February 9, 1936 - December 13, 2021

Robert E. Holshue, on December 13, 2021, of Mantua. Age 85. Beloved husband of Marie Holshue (nee Damato). Loving father of Robert L. Holshue (Lisa) and Douglas P. Holshue (Deneen). Devoted grandfather of Hannah Marie Holshue (Andrew Rivenbark), Robert Douglas Holshue, Jessica Truglio and Shane Robert Holshue. Dear brother of Fay Murphy and the late Edward Holshue.

“America’s Cowboy” Bob was one of a kind! Bob touched the lives of so many, and holds a special place in the hearts of everyone he knew. He was a selfless, generous man who always gave to others and asked for nothing in return. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather – the pillar of the Holshue family.

Bob lit up the room when he entered and made even the grouchiest people smile. He had a contagious energy and undeniable wit that made you laugh until you cried.

Bob was a friend to everyone. He was blessed with many dear friends from all walks of life. From blue collar workers to doctors and politicians, everyone loved Bob.

The world changed for the better when Bob was born on February 9, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up a California boy when his parents moved across the country to start a new life. At the young age of 17, Bob left home to serve his country and went on to become a skilled mechanic of the United States Air Force.

Bob was stationed in Dover, Delaware, where he met the love of his life, Marie. Bob and Marie were a match made in heaven! They married on April 18, 1956 (when Marie was just 16 years old) and shared 65 wonderful years of marriage.

Bob and Marie began their married life in South Philadelphia. Bob loved his Mother-in-law Rose dearly and looked after Marie’s family. He became a father in 1958, and Marie named their firstborn after her devoted husband. Bob and Marie moved their growing family to Blackwood, New Jersey in 1962, when Marie was pregnant with their second son – Douglas Paul.

Bob was a hardworking man with big dreams. He was a dedicated businessman for over 50 years, and loved to get his hands dirty. Bob opened his first Sunoco gas station in February of 1970. In November of that same year, Bob and Marie settled on a beautiful 20-acre horse farm. He started his own business in 1976 – the famous “Bob’s Garage.”

Bob was a full-time entrepreneur, family man, and real-life cowboy. He set the bar with his exceptional customer service and when he wasn’t fixing cars, he was throwing hay! Bob loved to ride horses and explore America’s scenic trails. He was an animal lover, a people-person, and one of the most extraordinary men to ever walk God’s green earth. The world’s greatest cowboy rode off into the clouds, but his spirit lives on in our hearts!

Robert’s life will be celebrated privately this Spring.

The family asks that donations in Robert’s memory be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or by clicking on the link or to Gloucester County Veterans Helping Veterans, PO Box 337, Woodbury, NJ 08096.

Egizi Funeral Home

Chris the Farrier

Owen & Mary Sweeney

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Sorry to hear Uncle Bob passed away. I was a young Boy when my dad passed but to he.loved his bother. I went in the army because dad always said he was proud of him. I just wish I could have met him and talked about our family because no one ever talks about the holshue side.

I just heard about Bob's passing. I was deeply saddened to hear this sad news. Bob was a wonderful man, friendly and a hard worker. He always took great care of me and my sons cars. Bob, you will be missed. Rest in peace.

I just heard today about the passing of this great man and I am tremendously sad about Bob's passing. I started taking my cars to Bob's Garage in the 1970's, and continued going there until Bob retired. Sometimes my cars were real wrecks because I couldn't afford nice brand new cars, but Bob always kept them mechanically perfect, and he made me feel like I had a Rolls Royce. He was the nicest man I ever met, and he was an honest man as well. God bless Bob in the memories he gave me. God Bless Marie, Bob Jr. and the rest of the Holshue family.

I was heartbroken to hear that my sweetheart mechanic had passed away. Only person that made me not dread a breakdown in my work truck. He always made sure I got fixed and back on the road quickly. On the times I had basic maintance I never minded waiting there because bob would sit and talk to me for that time. I heard about his family, his horses, his time in the airforce.. I loved looking at all the pictures in his waiting area of his wife kids and grand kids. There was literally his whole lifetime on those walls and bob had the story to go with every one of them. And when my truck was finished he always gave me a discount. Lol, sometimes he didnt even charge me at all! He was an angel walking this earth. Sweet sweet man., no doubt hes in heaven shining down.

Bob was awesome. I loved sitting in Bob's Garage and hearing and seeing all his customers that loved him. He was so honest. I referred so many to him because he was trust worthy. He would also call a spade a spade. He once blasted my husband for a payment offer, but he was right. He always asked after my husband and offered sound advise. A precious person. He will be missed greatly.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I want to thank each of you personally, on behalf of Marie, who may not feel up to logging on at this moment. I am just a second cousin and not worthy of the right to say thank you, but I could not help but smile reading how your lives were touched. All I want to sing out is Amen and Amen!!!

Already posted, but found a pic of Bob to add Like many, I first met Bob at his garage after hearing glowing reviews of the work and price, and rumors of this larger-than-life owner with a smile and personality that was infectious. Bob would make your day just by talking with him a few minutes. He always would do this price-cutting trick, even if the first price was never intended to be charged. You’d pick up your vehicle and he’d cross out the price and “arbitrarily” put a new, much-lower price for you to pay. You’d look up, disbelieving, and Bob would be smiling from ear to ear. He was incredible. I’d drop off a car and go to talk to him and if my wife was there, he’d pass right by me to go talk with her. He’d have her laughing and smiling immediately. He just seemed to have a secret, like he unlocked the meaning of life. He was truly charismatic and we were very saddened to hear of his passing. I hope he’s riding his favorite horse somewhere. Telling dirty, but respectful jokes, that just wouldn’t fly in today’s crybaby world. Hope to see you again one day, Bob Brian and Bianca Wagner And from my father Larry, who knew Bob from way back in the ‘70s
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Like many, I first met Bob at his garage after hearing glowing reviews of the work and price, and rumors of this larger-than-life owner with a smile and personality that was infectious. Bob would make your day just by talking with him a few minutes. He always would do this price-cutting trick, even if the first price was never intended to be charged. You’d pick up your vehicle and he’d cross out the price and “arbitrarily” put a new, much-lower price for you to pay. You’d look up, disbelieving, and Bob would be smiling from ear to ear. He was incredible. I’d drop off a car and go to talk to him and if my wife was there, he’d pass right by me to go talk with her. He’d have her laughing and smiling immediately. He just seemed to have a secret, like he unlocked the meaning of life. He was truly charismatic and we were very saddened to hear of his passing. I hope he’s riding his favorite horse somewhere. Telling dirty, but respectful jokes, that just wouldn’t fly in today’s crybaby world. Hope to see you again one day, Bob Brian and Bianca Wagner And from my father Larry, who knew Bob from way back in the ‘70s

God must have needed an Angel so much this Christmas that he took this father, husband, loyal friend and cowboy from us this time of year.This is so hard. Although it's hard for me to lose a friend and great human I have known for 42 years, we can all only imagine what Marie, Bob, Doug and the grandkids (all) are going through. Know that Marie, Bob, and Doug, we are crying with you and praying for you as well. We that to know him are so heartbroken. Condolences do not seem enough. He is, and always will be, a blessing to anyone who came across him. We are all blessed to have a piece of him in our hearts. We take his spirit and share that with others. Heaven has gained an Angel. I smile when I think Bob's probably at the Pearly gates with St. Peter, sitting on his horse and smiling at new arrivals and giving them his Bob's Garage calendar (respectful smile) :-) M.G.

Remembering the Holshue family on this blessed day. Remember Bob is watching over all of you. ❤️

Bob truly was special. I knew him as owner of Bob's garage. He always had a story to tell. He could make you laugh and was always fair. He was generous with both his time and his wit. I appreciated reading his obituary because it gave me more insight into his life as a husband, father and the things he liked to do. He will be missed.

Heartfelt condolences to the Holshue family for the loss of Bob. I was referred to Bob's Garage by a friend in 1996 and Bob and his crew were the only shop to care for our vehicles until we relocated to NC in 2019. Bob was the consummate gentleman & business owner. He treated customers like family, and sincerely cared about them. Unfortunately, there are few too many people in the world today like Bob Holshue. Bob Holshue will be greatly missed by MANY people. Gary L. & Nancy Boynes

Our deepest sympathies to Marie and the entire family on the loss of such a kind and giving man. Bob had been our mechanic for decades and was the most honest and fair businessman that I have ever had the pleasure to deal with. Just walking into his garage, you can see by how clean and organized it was, that you came to the right place. Bob was definitely “old school” and treated everyone with respect and a good joke, if you were lucky. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed, not just as a talented mechanic, but as a trusted friend.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob through my friendship with son more than twenty years ago. He treated everyone that came to his shop like family; honestly and fairly. He lived life to the fullest and it was an honor and pleasure to have known him. He is missed by so many. With deepest sympathy

Bob was old school. His word was his bond-good as gold. He will be missed.

God Bless you Bob and prayers to the Holshue Family. For decades Bob was never my mechanic he was my FRIEND a dear FRIEND. His humor and passion along with his knowledge made me a better person just knowing him. Our memories made will be with me till Bob and I get together again. God Bless

Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of Bob. We have been friends and customers of Bob since 1970’s when he owned the Sunoco Station. We enjoyed the company of Bob and Marie at dinner and visits on Christmas Eve in their beautifully decorated home. John and Bob would enjoy riding the horses and one day popped up in our backyard posing for a picture on their horses. We are blessed to have such beautiful memories of Bob Holshue and will deeply miss him. Our love to Marie, Bobby, Douglas and all of the grandchildren. God bless you all. Barbara and John Wallace and family

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I was honored to know Bob, I’ve been Bob and Marie’s regular farrier for some years now and they are two of the nicest people I ever met. The last time I saw him he was driving a heavy construction vehicle like it was a piece of cake. I will always remember Bob, he is missed terribly.

I started dealing with Bob at his garage back in 1988 and, realizing just how good and fair he was, dealt exclusively with him. It got to a point where I wouldn't let anyone else touch my cars. He treated me and my wife as though we were family and, after my son started dealing with him, Bob treated him the same way. My family extends our deepest sympathy to his family.

The Holshue family is in my thoughts and prayers. RIP my friend!

Terrible shock. Bob was our mechanic and friend for over 35 years. Always a joy to visit with him at the garage. He always inquired after Mary when she didn't come in with me. He was a special person. Car repairs will never be the same. So sorry for Marie and Bob Jr and Doug and the rest of the family. He will be greatly missed.

We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He truly was a fine, generous, caring man. When in his presence he always made you feel like you were his best friend. I know he had many “best friends” . We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Marie and his children. We will miss him terribly. Charles & Cathy Di Ciano

Marie, Very sorry to hear that Bob passed away. Bob was a great man with a giant heart. Please give my best to all your family and friends,

May Bob now Rest in Paradise. My condolences and sympathies go out to Marie, Bob, Lisa, Doug, Deneen, Hannah, Bobby and the family. Bob was truly one of a kind. I surley know how he was loved and admired by your family. He will always be with you. Much love and hugs from my family to yours.

Thoughts and prayers to the Holshue Family. Bob was a true friend to my Father(Charlie). I could never thank Bob and Marie enough for being such good friends to my parents. Bob was truly a great man and one of a kind. Thank you Bob for teaching how to ride horses no matter if I wanted to or not, I was gonna learn. I am glad I learned! Godspeed Bob, you will truly be missed!!!

The loss of Bob Holshue has left a hole in our lives. We can’t imagine his loss has had on his family, especially the love of his life Marie. Bob was the most honest man ever. There is no one else who I’d tell to do anything that is needed to my car so that it passes state inspection. We would always run into Bob and Marie having breakfast at the Five Points Diner (now the 7 Star Diner), where he would hold court with his many friends and customers. We loved him like family as we did Marie. Rest In Peace my friend. ?

Deepest condolences to the family. What a great guy Bob was! So, kind and warm-hearted. He will be missed.

Marie, Bobby, Doug, and the rest of the Holshue family, Sally and I send our heart felt condolences with regard to Bob's passing. Bob was an amazing man and freind over the past 45 years that I had the good fortune of knowing him. Through my employment and through personal dealings, Bob was always upbeat and showed a genuine concern for others. Bob knew the value of hard work, witnessed by his successful venture of Bob's Garage. He was a man you could trust. Myself, my children, and my grandchildren have all experieved the fine quality of service Bob provided. Bob was a good man and he will be sorely missed and always remembered.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.