Obituary of Robert Joseph Giel

   We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Giel, who passed away at age 82 on March 11^th, 2023.

   Bob was born to Joseph and Margaret Giel in May of 1940 and was raised in Queens, NY. Several years after he graduated from high school, Bob joined the United States Army Reserves and served for 6 years. Bob worked in customer service and logistics for most of his adult life. After retiring, he embarked on a remarkable second career in writing. Not only did he write Western novels, but he was Managing Editor for a western magazine and Senior Editor for Western and Historical Fiction and Nonfiction for the company that published his books. Bob was also a mentor to many young writers, offering writing advice and coaching to students in the local middle school, and mentoring authors in the Western Writers of America Inc. He was a member of the Creative Writers of Morris County group where he would participate in shared critiques of member’s submissions and give insights during discussions. Bob was also a member of SASS, the Single Action Shooting Society; an organization that holds western themed competitive shooting matches. Bob went by the alias “The Old Gunfighter Bob”. He became so fond of the sport that he even roped in his son-in-law. To anyone from the “Wiley Coyotes” planning on attending the memorial service in late May, it is HIGHLY encouraged by the family that you attend the memorial (not funeral) in full, cowboy action attire, minus firearms (including realistic props). This interest was a large part of Bob’s life, and what better way to celebrate his life than showing your own passion for this sport.

   In his early life, Bob met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann, and the pair brought a beautiful baby girl into the world. The family settled and raised their daughter in East Windsor, New Jersey. Going back to his young years, Bob was a fan of a comic book by the name of Kid Colt, Outlaw; a series of comics about a rough and tough cowboy, written by Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee. Fast forward to modern day, Bob’s daughter, Jessica, developed a love for all things Marvel, with a special spot in her heart for Spider-Man. It wasn’t until later in her life that Jessica noticed the connection between these two interests, and that sparked a beautiful bond that she would share with her dad for years to come. They would attend New York Comic Con together dressed as different characters and got to meet some of their heroes and celebrities. One special trip even included a meet and great with THE Stan Lee while Bob was dressed in cosplay…. as Stan Lee! Bob is described as a caring father and grandfather, a great listener, and having a selfless and generous soul. The memories he leaves behind with those who loved him will never be forgotten.

  And though his passing is a pain felt so deeply, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace. It is now the task of those he leaves behind to carry on his memory. His survivors include his daughter, Jessica Grassi, her husband, James Grassi, his granddaughter, Rachel Grassi, and a wealth of additional family, friends and neighbors who were lucky to have known him. If you would like to do something to carry on his memory yourself, please consider donating, in lieu of flowers, to Mighty Writers; an organization that offers support and advice to young and aspiring writers in the tristate area. Donations can be made via inmemof.org.

   A funeral mass for Bob will take place on Saturday, March 25 th , 2023, at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church (15 Myers Ave, Denville, NJ, 07834). If you are not able to attend the mass, it will be live streamed. Just go to https://stmarys-denville.org/ click the “Mass – Live” button scroll down to find the name of the service under “Latest from Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Denville, N.J”. Or go to YouTube.com and search for St. Mary’s Denville. Burial will follow at 11:30 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery (225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936). A memorial visitation service will take place on Saturday, May 27^th , 2023, from 2 to 4 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services (16 Righter Ave, Denville, NJ 07834). All cowpokes welcome!