Robert A. Gasser
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Robert A. Gasser, 84, died unexpectedly, Wednesday afternoon, May 11, 2022 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH of a cerebral hemorrhage. Bob was born November 9, 1937 in Trenton, NJ the only child of Robert and Mildred (Gunning) Gasser. Shortly after Bob was born, the family moved to Toms River in South Jersey.
At Toms River High School he was president of his class, an honor student and a talented football player. He was named "outstanding Lineman of the Year" his junior year in high school.
Furthering his education at Rutgers University, Bob majored in English where he developed a lifelong passion for the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. At the time of his graduation, he was welcomed into the "Cap and Skull Society" because of his profound contributions to the University. After college, Bob entered Columbia Law School and following his first year, received a rotary fellowship to study at Hong Kong University. It was the first time he had traveled out of the country and subsequently this laid the foundation for his future love of travel.
When he returned, he met his future wife Marilyn Vanecek, at a party hosted by his mother. A short time later they were engaged and on April 5, 1964 Bob and Marilyn exchanged vows. One year later Marilyn gave birth to their son, Robert, and shortly thereafter to their daughter, Jennifer.
After passing the Bar exam and working with Joseph Citta for many years, he started his own law practice in Toms River. After 42 years of private practice, Bob was offered a job in the Ocean County Prosecutor's office. He became the Public Relations Representative for the office, a position he called "the greatest job I ever had". During those years Bob learned about Drug Courts and quickly became the office expert. He was able to see the humanity in those that are prosecuted for minor drug offences, and recognized that they are people that deserved help, understanding and a chance to better their lives. Bob had a great passion for the work of the Drug courts, so much so, that following his retirement in 2006 and his relocation to the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont, Bob took it on himself to develop Drug Courts in the Upper Valley as well as the entire State of New Hampshire. His dedication to the Drug Courts of New Hampshire was exemplified by being given the title "The Father of New Hampshire Drug Courts". He told countless stories of former participants who told him "You changed my life", and one of his most prized possessions was a plaque he was awarded which reads "a different kind of hero".
Bob's passionate hobby was travel, particularly cruising. His happiest times were spent on a cruise ship seeing the world. He also served as a mentor to a Dartmouth Football player, a Recovery Coach to people struggling with addiction, a member of the Rotary Club of Lebanon, a regular at the Lebanon CCBA and a founding member of Rock Steady Boxing, a program for patients with Parkinson disease, of which Bob was one, that eased their Parkinson symptoms by boxing. "Boxer" Bob was instrumental in fund raising for this program, even receiving a sizable grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Bob's love of life, endless energy, compassion, and kindness were reflected in his lifelong dedication to making a difference in the community.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, who died this past February. Bob is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Lynn Gasser and her husband, Dean Leid, of Maynard, MA; son, Robert C. Gasser, of Greenwich, CT, his countless friends throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and New Jersey; and his favorite beloved nemesis - his dog, Gatsby.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday afternoon, June 17, 2022 at 1PM at Christ Episcopal Church: 415 Washington Street, Tom's River, NJ.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of New Hampshire Drug Courts, www.friendsofnhdrugcourts.org
Condolences to Bob family may be left at an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com