Obituary of Robert J. Ketchersid

Robert J. Ketchersid, “Ketch”, 66, of Point Pleasant, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 6, 2021.

Born in Neptune to the late Bay Head Police Chief Frank and Elizabeth (McClure) Ketchersid, Bob grew up in Bay Head and was a graduate of Saint Rose High School, Belmar, and then moved to Point Pleasant. Bob also spent some time in Texas on a ranch as a cowboy, breaking horses and riding bulls, “Bronco Bob.”

For thirty years he worked for Ocean County as a Deputy Fire Marshal and recently retired in 2020. Prior to that he owned and operated Ketch Construction, Point Pleasant, and also had worked for VanNote Lumber Company, Point Pleasant Beach. Bob always had a passion for woodworking and was the real “Bob the Builder.”

Bob was a volunteer firefighter with the Bay Head Fire Company and the Point Pleasant Borough Fire Department. In addition, he was a former Assistant Captain of the Point Pleasant Dive Team. Bob was also a HAZMAT technician instructor for the State of New Jersey and co-authored multiple publications. He was a life member of both the New Jersey and Ocean County Firemen’s Associations, former President of the Point Pleasant Exempt Firemen’s Association and former President of the Point Pleasant Firemen’s Relief Association. In his free time, Bob enjoyed traveling in his motorhome. He was also a licensed, avid pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of over thirty years, Carol; and two daughters (his girlies), Leigh Ketchersid and Kelly Ketchersid, both of Point Pleasant. He is also survived by his brothers, William Ketchersid and James Ketchersid and wife, Betty; his mother-in-law, Ruth Hardie; many nieces and nephews; his grand-puppies, Winnie and Trooper; and countless dear friends.

Visitation will be 2 – 5 p.m., Sunday, February 14 at the Pable Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, 901 Beaver Dam Road, where at 4:30 p.m. a firemen’s service will be held. (Facial coverings are required and adherence to social distancing will be in effect. Due to attendance limitations, those attending the visitation are kindly asked to greet the family and then exit the building. A live stream of the service may be viewed on the Pable Evertz Facebook page beginning at 4:15 p.m.)

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Bob’s memory to the Point Pleasant Fire Department  would be greatly appreciated.

Please visit www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com  to view a video of the service. Facebook link, and for condolences to the family.