Robert J. "Bob" Esposito, of Edison, NJ, passed away on Sunday morning, surrounded by his family and much love. He finally surrendered after a brave battle with a long illness - he was 77. A loyal native of Brooklyn, Bob graduated from McBurney High School in Manhattan and joined the U.S. Navy soon thereafter. He was immensely proud of being Italian and his time in the service and happily regaled all with his tales of travels around the world. His love for and respect of the ocean began in the Navy and lasted throughout his life. Much to the chagrin of his family, he thoroughly enjoyed waking up his girls and night-owl wife with the early morning Boatswain's whistle for years after his time in the Navy ended.

He started his career with Ma Bell and moved up the ranks of the various forms of the phone company, finally retiring from Verizon Wireless. It is estimated that he helpfully landed jobs for approximately a quarter of the Bell Atlantic workforce, demonstrating his generous spirit and the benevolent parts of the Godfather-like care he had for family and friends, without any of the strong-arming or actual Mafia ties.

His loyalty to his family was legendary, beginning when he left a career in the Navy to come home and help care for his ailing father. He loved to cook for family and friends while listening to Italian music and all were always welcomed at his table. He instilled in his children (and any of their friends who would listen), the need for hard work, good manners, that family - and friends who are like family - should always come first and a healthy love of linguine with clam sauce. He and his "bride" Carolyn traveled the world together often with their children, other family members and good friends – collecting passport stamps from 5 of the 7 continents along the way.

He had strong views on the world and always had words of wisdom to share. Some favorite gems include: the Smith System of Driving is never wrong, school is important so do well, always spin the arms in the dishwasher before running it, polish your shoes before you wear them the first time or they'll never be the same, always help anyone who needs it get a job, respect your elders – you're going to be one one day, every person for themselves when you are getting off a ski lift, never underestimate the value of hard work, today is a great day to be alive, you can never use too much olive oil or garlic when cooking, eat everything on your plate (even if it's pigs knuckles), go to church every Sunday and be thankful for what you have, somebody always has it worse.

Bob is survived by his bride of 48 years, Carolyn, daughters Lisa (Alex) and Valerie (Bryan), grandchildren Sophia, Luke, Mirabelle and Zara, his brother Joe (Rose) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Friends are welcomed to call at Flynn & Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords, NJ 08863 from 2-4 and 7-9 on Thursday and Friday. The funeral mass will take place on Saturday at Our Lady of Peace Church in Fords at 10 am, with interment following at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Bridgewater, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association of NJ are appreciated.