Mourners For Monmouth Native Who Was Amtrak Victim: 'Bob Was ... A Truly Memorable Star'

One of the eight victims killed in last week’s Amtrak crash was a Monmouth County native who was remembered Monday as an “memorable star.”

Robert J. Gildersleeve, Jr., 45, was a graduate of Middletown High School South, and previously lived in Holmdel, according to his obituary posted on legacy.com.

Gildersleeve, who lived in Elkridge, Maryland, is survived by his wife, Danna; two children, Ryan and Marc; and his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, the obituary said. His parents, Robert Sr. and Aileen, live in Wall, according to the Asbury Park Press.

A viewing was held Sunday in Red Bank and a funeral Mass was celebrated Monday at The Church of St. Catharine in Holmdel, according to legacy.com.

Gildersleeve worked for Ecolab for 22 years, most recently as vice-president of corporate accounts for institutional business in North America.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague,’’ a statement on the company’s website said. “Bob was an exceptional leader and was instrumental to our success. We will greatly miss him, and our thoughts go out to his beloved family members and friends.”

Before Gildersleeve’s body was found in the wreckage, his 13-year-old son released a video, asking for help finding his dad. His father had dropped him off at lacrosse practice, then got onto the train to go to New York for a business trip, according to CBS Philly. Gildersleeve was the last victim to be found.

He was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and Florida International University. His family has set up the The Bob Gildersleeve Memorial Scholarship, c/o The Culinary Institute of America at www.youcaring.com/bobgildersleeve.

On that website, he was remembered by those who knew him:

“The Impact that Bob had on Ecolab will not be forgotten- an incredibly legacy. Thank you for sharing him with us. The Gildersleeve Family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.”

“I am so sorry for your loss and I am so blessed to have had an opportunity to meet Marc. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time.”

“Bob was and is a truly memorable star in the Ecolab history book. I will remember him for his energy, his enthusiasm, and for his capacity to have fun and bring fun to all of our work together. I will miss him greatly.”

“Such a huge loss to us all, Bob will be missed so much for his incredible passion, wit and sense of humor. Our prayers to the entire family.”

“Bob loved people and life more than anyone I’ve ever known. He would light up a room and make you laugh, even if you didn’t want to...my heartfelt prayers to his loving family and friends.

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• Mourners For Monmouth Native Who Was Amtrak Victim: ‘Bob Was ... A Truly Memorable Star’