Robert Gerald Kroll

robert kroll

April 14, 1924 ~ September 19, 2023

Born in: Paterson, NJ
Resided in: Southern Pines, NC

After fighting serious health issues for several years, Robert Gerald Kroll, DDS of Southern Pines, NC died peacefully on September 19, 2023, at the age of 99 after a brief stay at FirstHealth Hospice House in West End, NC. Bob leaves behind his beloved wife Helen (Friedman Cohen), children Peter (Patricia Novak) and Tana (Mike Young); stepchildren Marcia (David) Cohen, Barry (Patty) Cohen, Lee (Diane) Cohen, and Mark Cohen; grandchildren Erica Korngut, Jeremy Cohen, Brynn Stott Cohen, Tamara Cohen, Samantha Cohen, Nicole Cohen, Rebecca Cohen, and Megan Rand; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Sadye Kroll, and brother Craig Kroll.

Born on April 14, 1924, Bob packed considerably more than a century’s worth of living into the almost 100 years he completed. And he loved life. In 1980, he married the love of his life, Helen, and he loved his kids and grandchildren, parents, brother, and cousins. And they loved him.

Not boisterous, not big in build or stature, but a charming and friendly man with a big grin, Bob maintained lifelong friendships, from his childhood buddies in their self-styled “Park Avenue Gang” in Passaic to fellow athletes, professional colleagues, the guys at the airport, and many, many more whose lives he touched. 

At the University of Illinois, he weathered both college and US Navy training. After the initial Naval service, he returned to complete his dental education at the University of Minnesota Dental School, where he earned his dental degree and then completed his service in the Navy. In 1952, as the athletic officer on the USS Dixie, his ship arrived in port at Sasebo, Japan, too late to contribute sailors to the United States team competing against the other national teams at the base. Bob persuaded the International Track Meet officials to allow his shipmates to compete as an independent team. They won the tournament, with the United States finishing second.

Along with stints working in New York metropolitan area hospitals, Bob opened a private practice in Clifton, NJ. He then started his family in Oakland, NJ in the mid-1950s with his first wife, Arlene (Singer), raising Peter and Tana.

He was a man of action. Soon after moving to Millburn, NJ in 1963, he charged into a house in flames up the street to rescue a neighbor.

Advancing the dental profession was important to him, and he served on the faculty of dental schools at Seton Hall University, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and Rutgers University. At the same time, with his colleague Justin Stone, he developed a unique private dental practice serving patients that other dentists were unwilling or unable to serve: the physically or mentally challenged, and the very young and very fearful. In a seminal article published in 1967, they documented the relationship between tooth decay in babies and being put to bed with nursing bottles of milk or sweet drinks. After decades of operating one of the few practices in their specialized area, Bob and Justin were asked to establish a special care clinic to teach future dentists at Rutgers University, a program that continues today.

He had many passions beyond dentistry. He loved to fly. Starting in 1950, he earned his multiengine, commercial, and glider ratings, flew aerobatic maneuvers (carrying along note cards as memory joggers—ask his son about that flight) and he continued piloting a series of small planes into his 90s. He built a working hovercraft and essentially completed a homebuilt BD-5 aircraft in his garage.

Developing an early appreciation of folk music, he recorded radio broadcasts—on a wire recorder at first. Songs of social justice inspired him. During his last days, Pete Seeger programs playing on YouTube sparked happy memories. Playing tennis was a favorite pastime for decades, shared with Helen and Tana.

Bob wrote. He wrote papers—including one written in verse—published in dental journals and articles in aviation magazines. He edited professional and aviation newsletters. He was a poet, publishing a book of selections of his work.

And he wrote letters to the editor. On all subjects. When he saw illogic or injustice, he would do his best to shine a light on it and do what he could to correct it.

A battler, his body bore the injuries of his amateur wrestling career, though he rarely complained. High-level competition on the University of Minnesota varsity team and the West Side (NYC) YMCA team brought him an invitation to represent the US in the Maccabiah Games. An AAU tournament match with Donald Rumsfeld, future US Secretary of Defense, was recounted years later in a widely distributed article. While focusing on how the match gave insight into Rumsfeld, the recounting said much about Bob as well (he lost the match but earned respect as a tenacious and gracious competitor). Son Peter recalls that around the age of 10, his dad convinced him that he was among Bob’s toughest opponents at the West Side Y, often wrestling to a draw (at least according to his dad’s scoring). Even after his active wrestling days were over in his forties, he continued to do volunteer coaching into his 70s (occasionally getting down on the mat) at the local high schools.

Before and after his retirement (in 1998, after which he moved to Whispering Pines and then Southern Pines, NC), he served numerous communities: as an officer in medical and dental societies, as a Cub Scout Cubmaster, as a member of the Whispering Pines Planning Board, as an officer of Experimental Aviation Association chapters in New Jersey and North Carolina. He introduced over 100 youngsters to flying in the EAA’s Young Eagles program. In his 80s, he brought meals to the elderly for Meals on Wheels and refurbished donated items at Habitat for Humanity.

Dentist, pilot, athlete, writer, poet, and educator. And to those closest to him, he was a caring and devoted friend, husband, and father, whom they loved dearly. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Rutgers University Foundation in support of the Dr. Justin Stone and Dr. Robert Kroll Endowed Scholarship” at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Special Care Center, or to any charitable organization. Donations to the scholarship can be sent to PO Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, or can also be made online at https://give.rutgers.edu/StoneKrollEndowedScholarship

Condolences can be made at PinesFunerals.com

Services are being provided by Powell Funeral Home.

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Robert Gerald Kroll 's name.

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Special Care Center

PO Box 193

New Brunswick,

NJ

give.rutgers.edu

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. So many great and fun times with Helen and Bob. Bob lived life to the fullest. A truly compassionate man. He will be missed.
    Ken & Marilyn

  2. Although we lived a thousand miles from each other, we always managed to stay in touch, and visit. Our most memorable visit was to the house in Whispering Pines when we went out Kayaking and Richard swam the lake, and when Christian went up on his first flight with you. It was tons of fun! You inspired him to want to be a Pilot ! Then you and Helen moved to your “condo” as you called it, and we visited there from time to time having lunch in the Cafe, the clubhouse, and some great homemade food. And of course movie nights! But Soon Covid hit and restrictions of no visitors were put into place. But we still managed to talk and catch up on a weekly basis. You always wanted to ensure Christian was completing his university degree and then later doing his flight school! Well, you’re not here now, but you will one day see him flying in the skies, as he is now trying to get flight hours accomplished. This part has been challenging but you’ve taught us all that with determination and dedication all can be achieved. Life won’t be the same without our talks, your advice and our laughs, but we are grateful for all the wonderful times we spent and the memories you have left in our hearts! We are going to miss you very much and pray that one day we can all be reunite! Rest in peace! Love, The Gray Family

  3. Dear Helen,
    I’m deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing.
    I’m going to miss his wonderful character, enthusiasm for flying and friendship.
    While on the Village Council I always looked forward to his presence and his thoughtful common-sense participation.
    Fondly,
    Colin Webster

  4. Dear Helen

    Diane and I always enjoyed your and Bob’s company. In the later years we eagerly anticipated his smiling appearance at our Saturday morning breakfast. Bob had a wonderful life, well lived, with not moment wasted. We all will miss him.

    Sending our love, Diane and Jim Wiltjer

  5. Dear Helen,
    We were so sorry to read of Bob’s passing. Even though he has had a good life, it is still very sad to lose a loved one and good friend. We agree with all of the sentiment expressed so far that Bob was a very special person. We loved him and consider him to have been one of our very best friends in this area. His ready smile, quiet demeanor, and wonderful good nature were ever present features that endeared him to us and all who knew him.
    We hope that the love of your wonderful family and many good friends will help ease the pain of your loss.
    Our daughter Diane sends her condolences. She was very fond of Bob and enjoyed so much getting to know him.
    Love and deepest condolences,
    Don & Mary Delauter

  6. Dear Helen, Peter, Tanya and all the family,
    We send our sympathy for the loss of a great and lovely man.

    My husband,Marhall Numark and Bob were friends since childhood growing up in New Jersey. They had many good friends and called themselves The Park Ave. Gang. That was a street where some of them were born. These boys kept as good friends for the rest of there lives through WW!! and after. I have wonderful memories with many of them and we had great times.
    We all went to Belize on a cruise ship together, and another time to the WW!! Memorial in Washington DC. Also Cross Country skiing in Vermont.
    Dear Helen, We will all miss Bob. Stay strong, We love you. Marshall and Mollie


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