Robert Paul Hackett

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die” and Robert Paul Hackett is just that. Better known as “Bobby”, “Pop”, and “Pop-Pop”, he passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2021.

A Jersey City native with a mischievous smirk and twinkle in his eye, he was born to the late Paul and Mary Hackett on October 13th, 1928. He is predeceased by his sister Alyce and her late husband Jack Clancy. He married his sweetheart, the late Theresa Marie Hackett and they shared 58 years together.

Bobby was blessed with a large, crazy and loving family. Together with patience, discipline and humility, they raised four beautiful children- Paul Hackett, Robert  (Kristen) Hackett, David (Kelley) Hackett and Cathryn (Denis) Monaghan. He was loved by many including his nine grandchildren – Ron (Christine), Robert (his future-wife Julie), Maggie (her future-husband Bobby), Michael, Kelley, Patrick, Katie, Jack, Matthew and his great-grandson Ronald.

Bobby graduated from St. Michael’s in Jersey City in 1946. He grew up a star athlete playing football and was an All-County and All-State quarterback. He proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 25th Infantry Division during the Korean War. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. He was a devout Catholic and always remembered his Irish Roots.

He loved the Yankees and Giants watching every game he could. He was an avid reader and liked to challenge himself to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle. On Friday nights, he could be found at the Elks Club drinking a beer with his children and occasional grandchild or two.

Above all, he loved his family with all his heart and was a fixture at every recital, sporting event, parties and graduations throughout the years. He enjoyed having the kids over on Sundays, where he hosted family dinners well into his 90s. He always made sure everyone was happy, well fed with full glasses.

He was the rock of his family and taught each of them to be there for one another through the good times and bad. It’s hard to summarize 92-years into a few short paragraphs, but one of his greatest accomplishments was how much of an impact he made on each and every person he met. He lived and died knowing he was loved beyond words and while his family wishes it was longer, he left them with memories to last a lifetime.

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