Obituary of Robert Tonero

Robert Tonero, World’s Best Dad, Pop-Pop and Friend

"You can always tell where a beautiful soul has been by the tears and the smiles left behind."

Robert “Tinny” Tonero passed away peacefully on September 11, 2018 in Kannapolis, NC. He shared 77 years of love, laughter, wisdom and auto expertise with his family and friends. Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 7^th from 2-4 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 8^th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville.  Interment to follow at Mt. Olive Union Cemetery, Mt. Olive, NJ.

Bob was born in Newark, NJ to the late William and Mary Tonero and called Denville his home for nearly all his life. During his childhood years, he worked with his mother and brothers at St. Francis where he blessed the nuns with his charm and his mischief. After his schooling he married his sweetheart, Dorothy Van Luvender and the couple settled in Denville where they raised their family. Robert was a hard worker and a great Dad. He gave his family a good life and they brought him much pride and joy. He served for many years as an usher at St. Mary’s Church and owned a successful business in Dover for nearly 40 years - Tinny’s Auto Body. After retiring, they moved to North Carolina in 2014.

Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Although we are saddened by his sudden passing, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace with the Lord and enjoying eternity with his beloved Dottie. This family patriarch has given us much to be thankful for and his memory will be held close to our hearts forever.

Predeceased by his dear wife Dorothy (2016); he leaves happy memories to his children Darlene (Skip), Butch (Yolanda), Kevin (Audra) and Heidi (Scott); his11 adoring grandchildren, 6 great grands; his brothers William (“Tipper”) and Louis, and many more loving relatives and dear friends.