Obituary of Robert F. McQuade

Robert Francis McQuade passed away peacefully at Riverview Hospital with his wife of 45 years, Donna Adelfio McQuade, at his side. He is also survived by his two sons, Keith and Devin; Keith’s wife, Tanya; grandson Sonny and Tanya's children Ricky, Dylan, Maya, Kaylie and Avery, all of Holmdel. 

Rob was born in New York City, the fifth oldest in a family of 10 children.  He was predeceased by parents John and Mary McQuade and brother John McQuade. Remaining siblings are Jerry McQuade and wife Joan, Kevin McQuade and wife Carolyn, Alice Roskos and husband Alan, Maureen Truchan and husband Buddy, Frank McQuade and wife Donna, Mary Corrigan and husband Jim, Trish McQuade, and Kathleen Hickey and husband Ed.

Rob was blessed with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and even grand-nieces and nephews, whom he adored and enjoyed close, loving relationships with.

Robert (who was known to many as Rob, Robbie, Bob, and Bobby) moved from Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan to Sayreville, NJ in 1956.  He attended St. Mary’s grammar and high school in South Amboy. He attended Rutgers University and graduated with a BS in Accounting. He was employed as a bank auditor for Bank of America. He moved to Holmdel in 1985 and was a member of the Church of St. Catharine. He served on the Holmdel Planning Board for many years and was a member of the Friendly Sons of Shillelagh in Old Bridge.  In 2012, he was chosen to be the Grand Marshall of the South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  He was an avid fan of the New York Giants, the New York Mets, and Notre Dame football.

As many may know, Rob suffered a major injury in 1980, which left him a quadriplegic.

What never left him, however, was his spirit and zest for life. Donna and Rob shared the same values; their marriage was the embodiment of a love that is rarely seen - a true testament to their faith. They were best friends, and both recognized and treasured the little things that makes life special. Rob loved watching sports, but nothing made him prouder then when he watched his own sons throughout their school years. 

What made him smile most was being with family, enjoying the family laughter and banter back and forth, teasing and telling his “tall tales”, following family traditions, and enjoying homemade meals with good wine surrounded by the people he loved the most.  He took pleasure in the successes of the people he loved, and always offered encouragement to anyone who might be in need.

Rob never took pity on himself; instead he took what might have been considered a devastation and created a beautiful life for himself and his family. His life was an example of hopefulness, courage, and a “never-say-die” attitude.

This quote from Rudy Ruettiger (subject of the movie “Rudy”) sums up Rob’s approach to life:          

“In life, it’s not about how hard you get hit. It’s about how many times you get back up and how hard you’re willing to keep fighting for your dreams.”

Visitation will be at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ on Friday, November 15th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 9:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, November 16th at 9:15 AM at St. Catharine’s R.C. Church, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel, NJ.  Burial will follow at the Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel.

In lieu of the traditional flower remembrance contributions can be made in his honor to:  The Well Spouse Association (support for the spousal caregivers) or the Visiting Nurses Association of Central NJ.

To share a memory of Robert or to leave a message of condolence please visit his page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.