Plan for the Future
Robert James Tighe, 91, of New Providence, NJ, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Born in Summit, NJ, on December 15, 1932, to parents James and Helen (Doherty) Tighe, he was the third of seven children. He graduated from Millburn High School in 1950.
Robert served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps and fought in the Korean War. He remained a Marine at heart and loved meeting current and former USMC members. He attended Seton Hall University on the GI Bill and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
He married Margaret Crann on September 22, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church in Newark, NJ. In 1962 they moved to New Providence to start a family and begin his garden. Robert’s first job was at C.E. Kite Associates in Maplewood, NJ, and he eventually became president and owner. He also founded Registration Electric Supply, where he remained active until age 87.
Throughout his life, Robert pursued many interests with passion and determination, including gardening, fishing, cooking, and golf. Always in motion, he took on projects, big and small, including building an addition onto his house with the help of friends and family. In later years he turned his hand to the computer, a source of much enjoyment and frustration. His home of over 60 years was always welcoming. He loved entertaining–cooking, telling stories, and singing Irish tunes while cheerfully doing the dishes.
Robert was deeply involved in his parish and community. At Our Lady of Peace Church, his roles included lector, usher, and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental in starting the CYO program and famously chaired and cooked for parish dances. He also served on the Community Service Board of New Providence and volunteered for many years at Mt. St. John Academy.
Robert’s role as a grandfather brought him immeasurable joy. He appreciated the individual qualities of each child and enjoyed a unique relationship with all nine grandchildren. Whether going on vacation, making them Sunday dinner, attending their activities and events, or serving as chauffeur, he did all with enthusiasm.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife Margaret; their children Mary (John) Longo, Elizabeth Tighe, Robert (Suzanne) Tighe, and James (Kimberley) Tighe; and grandchildren John (Maeve Gavagan) Longo, Robert Longo, Margaret Mary Tighe, Anne Tighe, Deirdre Tighe, Jack Tighe, Samantha Tighe, Michael Tighe, and James Tighe. He took special delight in his two great-grandchildren, Rosalia and Catherine Longo. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers Albert, Peter, and Joseph and sister Anita Sperco as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws James and Margaret (Cooney) Crann; brothers Donald and Edward; brothers-in-law Richard Coughlin and Constant Sperco; and sisters-in-law Eileen Coughlin, Margaret Tighe, Patricia Tighe, and Alice Tighe.
