Robert Michael Taskes

Robert Michael Taskes (a.k.a. Bob, Poppa, Pop-Pop), 78, of Waldorf, Maryland, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, coworker and neighbor, passed away in his sleep on October 13, 2022. He fought his battle with cancer courageously and was at home where he wanted to spend his remaining time with his loving and devoted family. Bob was the son of the late Michael Edward Taskes and Sophia (Lapko) Taskes. He was the middle child of three siblings. Bob moved with his family to East Cleveland, Ohio, when he was 12 years old, and attended the local schools there. He was a high school star athlete who was very proud of his football and track and field accomplishments. Bob was drafted into the Army and served bravely and honorably in the First Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, where he earned various decorations for valor. His return from the war brought him to New Jersey, where one night he met and fell in love with Bonnie (DePew) Taskes, who later became his wife for 54 years. They made a life together in Hamilton, New Jersey, and raised their two daughters, Michelle and Stacy. Bob was a loving and supportive husband and father. He and Bonnie worked side-by-side gardening and maintaining the house, decorating for all of the holidays and taking pride in always being the first in the neighborhood to finish, attending all the girls’ games and school plays, playing cards with friends, and having fun dancing together in the kitchen. Bob worked hard to support his family, but he still made time to participate in dance recitals, help with all the school science and art projects, and loved swimming in the backyard, cooking on the grill, and playing Bocce Ball with his family. Bob will be remembered as a fun, kind, and generous man who oozed with love and generosity to friends and strangers alike. He was very handy and loved to be active, hardly ever sitting idle. He was always there to help whomever and wherever he could, and loved walking the family dogs, biking, golfing, eating out, and playing, singing and dancing to his country music. He was a man who liked doing things right and took pride in working hard to try and have the best lawn in the neighborhood. He was funny and always wanted everyone to laugh and have fun. In his earlier days as an avid sportsman he played softball for his work, and also enjoyed playing volleyball in a local league with his work buddies. Bob also volunteered his time to set up for the Easter egg hunt and family picnic held by his work each year. He was a man who was up for anything and loved spending time with family, friends and neighbors. He is survived by his loving wife, two daughters, two sons-in-law, and his three adoring grandsons. He is also survived by his sister Paula, his brother Fred, and their families, cousins, and in-laws. After returning from Vietnam Bob was employed as a Draftsman for GE, as a Project Manager with American Cyanamid/Pfizer, and as a school bus driver during his retired years. Bob was a humble man who loved life and liked making people smile. He did not crave attention to himself nor enjoy the spotlight, and in accordance with his wishes he did not want a funeral where people would be sad. He also spent his life helping others, so in lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bob’s name to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.

Robert Michael Taskes

July 4, 1944 - October 13, 2022