Robert Milfred Heldreth, 85, of Forked River died peacefully on April 15th, at the Arbors in Manchester. Born in El Monte, CA, as Milfred Lee Heldreth (otherwise known as Bob) he joined the Army when he was 15 after changing his birth certificate so he could serve his country. He served for 7 years and was a member of A Troop 66th Squadron 6th Regiment serving in Dergendorf, Germany for two years. When he was discharged he moved to NJ where he resided in Wanamassa, Ocean Township and Tinton Falls before becoming a long time resident of Forked River. He loved working with his hands and held a variety of jobs - a real "jack of all trades". He could always be found building something - from remodeling the house, building a travel trailer or working on cars. His garage and his tools is a true testament to his love of fixing things. He opened Bamberger's in the Monmouth Mall as the Liquor Store Manager. From there he went on to manage the Monmouth Bottle Shop in Oakhurst. He also worked construction and as a handy man at the Allaire Airport with Ed Brown. In his later years, he was a Realtor and Developer before retiring. He was a ham radio operator with the call letters WA2IAE. He loved connecting with people all across the world and being able to help others. He loved to travel whether it was cross country via car to see family, camping in a tent, cruising the seas or going to Paris. Life was an adventure he wanted to live. He was an amazing man who loved his family. He was loving and kind, nonjudgmental and accepting. No matter how bad a situation was, he always found the silver lining and worked through it. Bob will always be remembered for his love of his country and his family, as well as close family friends. Many will remember his quirky stories which always left us wondering if they were true or just a tall tale. He leaves a legacy filled with memories for his family and friends. He liked to cook especially on the grill. He was best known for his mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving and then his potato pancakes made with the left overs on Black Friday morning. He actually served breakfast to the entire Junior Class of OTHS after the Prom in 1974. He was a Past Master of Asbury Lodge #142 F&AM, a Past Patron of Neptune Chapter #214 and a past member of the Advisory Board for Iris Assembly #31, Order of the Rainbow for Girls. He received his 50 year pin from the Masons in 2016. He was predeceased by his parents, mother, Johnnie Faye Dieter; father, Ray Heldreth and step mother, Hazel Heldreth; his brother Richard Heldreth and Cecil Heldreth. Surviving are his wife, Patricia, 3 daughters: Kathy Gourley and her husband Russ, Hope Wissel and her husband Rob, and Allyson Letsche Giancone. He has 5 grandchildren: Jimmy and Danielle Giancone, Dawn Huizer Whitney, Jessica Huizer Springer and Belinda Heldreth Steinel as well as 6 great grand children.

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