Robert Stanley Eskow

In Loving Memory of Robert Stanley "Bob" Eskow

Robert Stanley Eskow, lovingly known as Bob or Bobby, passed away on October 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, laughter, and love that will never be forgotten.

Born in Newton, New Jersey; raised in Hackettstown, NJ Bob dedicated much of his life to serving others and protecting the community he loved. He was a man who answered the call whenever someone was in need, often putting the needs of others before his own. His life was defined by hard work, courage, and an unwavering commitment to helping people, even when it meant making personal sacrifices along the way.

Bob worked for the Hackettstown Department of Public Works 22 1/2 yrs and proudly served as a former Chief of the Hackettstown Fire Department. His dedication to protecting others extended far beyond his local community. He devoted an extraordinary 42 years to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, serving as both a member and warden for District A-27. He also spent six months working at the State Game Farm, raising pheasants, reflecting his deep love for the outdoors, wildlife, and the land he worked so hard to protect. His years of service embodied his lifelong commitment to helping others and safeguarding the community and natural world he loved.

The outdoors was one of Bob's greatest passions. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time in nature. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, he found a special kind of happiness in the world around him. In his younger years, Bob also pursued his love of speed and competition by racing cars at Island Dragway, where he earned numerous trophies. He and his brother, Russell Charles "Charlie" Eskow, built a 1961 Ford Falcon race car together, sharing a passion that created memories he treasured. During high school, Bob was an active leader in the FFA, reflecting his early appreciation for hard work, the outdoors, and community involvement.

Bob's love for the outdoors extended far beyond his own adventures. He had an enormous love and dedication to his nieces and nephews, many of whom had the opportunity to share outdoor experiences with him throughout the years. Whether hunting, fishing, exploring nature, or simply enjoying time together outside, Bob created memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Sharing his knowledge, experiences, and passion for the outdoors was one of the special ways he connected with his family. Those memories will continue to live on in the hearts of his nieces and nephews, a lasting reminder of the time they were fortunate enough to spend with him.

Fishing was another of Bob's great loves. He especially enjoyed telling the story of a fishing contest when he was 13 in which he caught two rainbow trout back to back. His father drove down the road while young Bob sat in the back of the pickup truck, proudly holding up his fish as people honked their horns. He was beaming with pride, and the memory remained special to him throughout his life.

Bob also loved deep-sea fishing, boating, and spending time outdoors. He had a special fondness for carousels and loved listening to Kenny Rogers. Whether he was on the water, in the woods, enjoying his favorite music, or reminiscing about his younger days, he found happiness in the things he loved. He took great pride in deer heads displayed on his wall, each representing a treasured memory.

While Bob's accomplishments and years of service were remarkable, those who knew him will remember something just as important: his personality. Bob was silly, playful, and believed that just about everything could be turned into a joke. He had a unique way of finding humor in everyday life, and his sense of humor was an unmistakable part of who he was. He could make people laugh and bring lightness to a moment simply by being himself. He was truly one of a kind, and there will never be another Bob.

Behind the uniform, the years of service, and the trophies was a man with a big personality, a love for adventure, and a willingness to help others whenever they needed him. His dedication touched countless lives, and his legacy will remain in the community he served and the people he helped throughout his lifetime.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn Eskow, his soulmate and the love of his life. The love they shared was a special part of his story. Though they were separated by her passing, their bond remains an enduring part of his life and the family they built. There is comfort in imagining Bob reunited with Marilyn once again, together in peace.

He was also preceded in death by his beloved mother, Joan Korsak; his father, Russell Meroshaw Eskow; his brother, Russell Charles "Charlie" Eskow of Hackettstown, New Jersey, with whom he shared a close bond and of whom he was immensely proud; his stepson, Michael Hatton; and his beloved grandson, Kayden Jones, who left this world far too soon. Each of them held a special place in Bob's life, and their memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved them.

Bob leaves behind his three loving daughters, Anne Eskow of Washington, New Jersey; Danielle Eskow ( William Hazelton) of Washington, New Jersey; and Tanya Eskow (Douglas Ortiz) of Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He is also survived by his younger sister, Carol Deskowitz of Bangor, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Cherish Jones, DeShawn "DeDe" Reed, Destiny Mills, and Charles Mills; and his three great-grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward for generations to come.

Bob's life was one of service, sacrifice, adventure, and laughter. He spent decades answering calls for help, protecting his community, and caring for the outdoors he loved so deeply. He made a difference not because he sought recognition, but because helping others was simply who he was.

He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a proud firefighter, a devoted outdoorsman, a loving husband, a loving father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, an uncle, a brother, and a man who could turn almost anything into a joke. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he leaves behind, the laughter he inspired, and the memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Bob you spent a lifetime answering the call when others needed you. Your watch is over, and you have earned your rest. May you find peace in the great outdoors you loved so much, reunited with your beloved Marilyn, your grandson Kayden, and all those who went before you.

Thank you for your years of service, your courage, your willingness to help others, and every laugh and memory you gave your family. May the stories of your adventures continue to be told, may the memories of your silly ways always bring a smile, and may the love you shared remain with us forever.

You will be loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and never forgotten.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 1-4 PM at Maguire Memorial Home 124, High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Funeral Service celebrating Bob's life will immediatly follow the visitation at 4:00 PM in the funeral home.