Robert Lopa

Robert J. Lopa of Somerset, passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on Monday, August 10, 2015, at St. Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick. Born in Somerville, Robert was the son of Philip and Josephine (Pianka) Lopa. He was raised in Bound Brook and was a graduate of Bound Brook High School, Class of 1970. Robert was an active New Jersey National Guardsman for six years. During that same time, he also began his career as an electrician, eventually becoming a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. After thirty-five years of working as a union electrician, Robert retired from Local 102 in Parsippany. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Diane Sutton, in 1976. They welcomed their daughter, Rachael, a few years later. Robert enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle, watching NASCAR races with his childhood friends, going to concerts, fresh and salt water fishing, skiing, working on construction projects with his father and brother, and spending time with his family at Hi-Tams Ice Cream Store, South Bound Brook. Some of his most favorite moments were simply just being with family and friends at summer picnics and gatherings. Robert also traveled to various cities and countries; he was always up for a cool road trip. While he enjoyed time in Brazil, Canada, the Jersey Shore, and many states, Florida was always his favorite vacation spot, specifically to Walt Disney World with his two girls. Robert was predeceased by his parents, and his infant daughter, Elizabeth. He is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-nine years, Diane; his loving daughter, Rachael, of Bound Brook, whom he greatly adored; his brother, Philip, and wife Rita, of Middlesex; mother-in-law, Stella Bohay Sutton, and sister-in-law, Nancy Zabreski, both of South Bound Brook; sister-in-law, Barbara Sutton, of Neshanic Station; brother-in-law, Bradford Sutton, of Birmingham, Alabama; his Brazilian family, Christina, Junior, Marcos and Stella Penna, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and many aunts, uncles, cousin, nieces, nephews, and long-time friends, who will sincerely miss him. He is also missed by his pets, who will always be waiting for him to come home. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 15, at the funeral home. Interment will be at Neshanic Cemetery, Hillsborough Township. Friends will be received at the funeral home 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday.