Robert W. Middleton

Robert Middleton, 69, of Kenilworth, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at Overlook Hospital. He was born on December 14, 1949 and was a lifelong Kenilworth resident. Robert was a graduate of Harding School in Kenilworth and attended Jonathan Dayton Regional High School in Springfield before graduating from David Brearley High School in Kenilworth in 1967. After graduating from college, Robert was employed by Morristown Hospital as a phlebotomist. He then worked as a chemist for L'Oréal, Tyco Corporation, and Polychrome, all of Clark, NJ. After his retirement, Rob enjoyed part-time work at Morabito's Pharmacy in Kenilworth. As a youth, Rob was involved with Boy Scout Troop 81 and youth programs of the Community United Methodist Church. For many years, he was a horse-riding enthusiast and a member of the Watchung Riding and Driving Club. In the early 1970s he volunteered his time to the Kenilworth Historical Society, where he served as intergovernmental liaison, keeping track of federal, state, and county projects and grants for the national bicentennial programs. He earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying along the east coast of the U.S. He was an avid builder of models and dioramas, with a lifelong interest in American railroads and airlines. He enjoyed running, biking, and gardening. Son of the late Frank and Blanche Middleton, and predeceased by his brother Frank, Robert is survived by his niece, Heather Middleton; dear friends and special neighbors; and his cat, Flower. Service will be at Gray Memorial Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Ave. in Cranford, NJ on Thursday, November 7. A period of visitation will start at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, friends may send a donation in his name to a favorite charity.