Robert A. Nora

Robert A. Nora, 85, of Seaside Park, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, surrounded by his wife and family. He quickly succumbed to mesothelioma. Robert, or Bob, as he was known to friends was born in New Brunswick, NJ on April 24, 1935 and later raised in Highland Park. He worked as an  aircraft mechanic for TWA at Idlewild for 2 years, fulfilling a lifelong passion for planes until his desire to marry and raise a family made him rethink his career choice. He was a member of the carpenter’s local 1006 for 60+ years. He proudly served in the United States Naval Reserves for 12 years. He built his house in North Brunswick, NJ in 1965 and raised his family there.  Soon after moving to North Brunswick, he joined the local Fire Department. He was very active in NBVFC#3 and rose to the rank of First Asst. Chief. He also joined the Bureau of Fire Prevention where he became Chief. During his time in “the Bureau” he got his first Inspector’s License. This ignited an interest in fire inspection and led to his getting licensed in building inspection as well. This set in motion another career change which he pursued for the rest of his life. He worked as a building inspector and Fire Subcode Official in North Brunswick and several other municipalities around Central Jersey and became North Brunswick’s first Fire Marshall. Twenty years ago, he and his wife moved to South Seaside Park to allegedly retire. He was cajoled into establishing yet another career as a Building Subcode Official for Berkeley Township. He worked there and at other shore towns until finally landing as the Construction Official for Seaside Park where he worked until his death.

He was a man of many passions and an inability to sit still for any length of time. He loved cooking and travel with his wife after they both retired. He always had a workshop and more projects than hours in the day but always made time for others. He was the neighborhood handyman. He was a member of Milltown F&AM #294 for over 50 years. He found a love for the game of golf and played it regularly with his buddies. He could be seen on the beach in the off season hitting around golf balls.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Helen (Rose) Nora, and his brother Thomas Nora. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Arlene, his children; Robert J. and his wife Maryellen McAlary-Nora of North Brunswick, NJ and Alyson Nora of Jersey City, NJ, as well as five grandchildren; Zachary, Emily, McKaylin, Joshua, and Wyatt to whom he adored being Pop-Pop. His greatest joy, he said, is his children and grandchildren.

 The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 4 to 8pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 809 Central Ave., Seaside Park, NJ. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 10am at the Union Church of Seaside Park, 47 Fourth Ave., Seaside Park, NJ. Committal will take place privately. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

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