Plan for the Future
John Robert Kroboth, age 82, died at his daughter’s home on April 9, 2024. Bob, as he preferred to be called, was born and raised in Rahway, NJ, and was a graduate of Linden High School. As a youth he enjoyed adventures with his brothers, including fishing, boating with the Sea Scouts, car racing and hot rods. His family moved to Linden, NJ, and together, operated the Parkside Inn.
Bob married his wife Carol-Ann (Heath) in 1962, and settled down in Linden, NJ. They enjoyed frequent camping trips with their two children, relatives, and friends. Inspired by camping trips to North Myrtle Beach, SC, Bob and Carol later bought a vacation home in Surfside, SC.
Working first for Washington National Insurance Co., Bob later became a Union County Constable, and founded his business, Superior Subpoena Service. As an active member of the Linden community, he became involved with the Mal Eckel civic association which ran a Soap Box Derby in the 1970’s. Together with his wife, who was a teacher, he developed a program to introduce fishing to children at the local elementary school, which involved taking 60 children to the local pond to catch sunfish. He proudly served as Captain of the Linden Volunteer Ambulance Corp., and as a Linden Auxiliary Police Officer.
Bob is survived by his daughter Karen Campbell of Ledgewood, NJ, son Brian Frees-Kroboth and daughter-in-law Kathleen Frees-Kroboth of Cranford, NJ; and six grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Carol-Ann (Heath), mother Pauline (Kosty), father John, brother Gary and sister-in-law Catherine (Zeman), brother Gene & son-in-law Gerry Campbell. He is also survived by close friend Ruby Scott Hardwick, and many cousins.
