Robert Blatchford

Robert B. Blatchford of Manahawkin, NJ, formally of Trenton , NJ, passed away at age 73, on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Southern Ocean Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Trenton and resided in Manahawkin, New Jersey since 1974. Robert graduated from Hamilton High School – West in 1965. He was drafted into the Army and served time in Thailand servicing heavy machinery during the Vietnam War.  Upon return, he worked for International Harvester as a diesel mechanic.  In 1977, he became a Motor Vehicle Inspector for the State of New Jersey.  Later, his outfit was merged into the New Jersey State Police.  He retired as a Staff Sergeant in the New Jersey State Police in 2002.

Sitting idle was never something that Robert could do. You would find him working at Taylor Rental in Manahawkin where he had a gift for working on small engines. He had a knack for fixing just about everything.

Robert is predeceased by his father, George Blatchford, and his mother, Anne Blatchford Buttich, (nee Hvasta) of Trenton, NJ.

He is survived by his two children and their spouses, daughter Laurie A. Simon and Robert, son Adam R. Blatchford and Sandra.  Robert is also fondly known as Pop-Pop to his two grandchildren, Addison, and Tyler Simon. In addition, Robert is also survived by his Uncle, Nelson Thomas Hvasta of Hollywood, FL, his two brothers, George Blatchford of Palm City, FL and Richard Blatchford of Hamilton, NJ, one sister, Catherine Mercer and husband Karl of Orleans, Ontario, Canada. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Robert also leaves behind his cherished cocker spaniels, Marco, Murphy, and Mandy.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021, from 8:30am to 10:30am at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Mary of the Pines Church, 100 Bishop Way, Manahawkin. Interment will take place at St. Mary of the Assumption Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Trenton (Hamilton Twp.), NJ. Due to Covid 19 guidelines, the funeral home is operating at restricted capacity. Please note that face masks and social distancing are required at all times for all in attendance of all services.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to the following organizations: David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, 364 North Main Street, Suite 10D, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, (609) 489-0011 and/or Popcorn Park Zoo, 1 Humane Way, P.O. Box 43, Forked River, NJ 08731, (609) 693-1900.