Robert A. Meseroll, Sr. (Bob)
     Bob Meseroll of Bigfork, MT and formerly of New Jersey passed away at home on March 8, 2016 after a lengthy and courageous battle with health issues.
     Bob was born in Highland Park, NJ to Walter and Johanna Meseroll. He developed a love for music early in his childhood. He graduated from Highland Park High School and Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio. Bob received his Masters of Music Education from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.
     It was there that he met Judy Gerber and they were married in 1958. Their children, Bob, Jr. and Debbie accompanied their Dad to many of his musical functions.
     Bob has consistently been a strong advocate of promoting music programs in public schools. He initiated many programs in various areas of NJ. He was passionate in his quest to provide opportunities for youth in both band and orchestra and was tireless in his efforts to achieve that.
     Bob was rewarded for his efforts numerous times when former students shared with him their gratitude for his influence on their lives. He just recently received a letter from a student he taught in the 1970s that summed up the feeling of so many: “Today I remain a confident, positive person not afraid of a challenge because way back when you showed me how to be that way, and for this I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Mez.”
      During his teaching career, Bob assumed leadership roles in numerous organizations at the State and National level. He was proud to be chosen to appear as Guest Conductor of the All South Jersey Orchestra; The All State Orchestra; And the All Shore Band. His marching band was chosen to march in Atlantic City at the Miss America Pageant Parade and the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City.
     Summers often found the family enjoying vacations at a lake in Maine and the beach at the Jersey Shore.  
  While vacationing in Montana, Bob fell in love with the area and initiated plans to retire there.
     Bob retired from public school education after teaching for 37 years in NJ. After moving to Montana, he continued his love of teaching by providing private music instruction to a few select students in Bigfork.
     Bob is survived by Judy, his wife on nearly 58 years; his son, Bob, Jr. of Arlee, MT; his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Mike Cooney of Shamong, NJ; his granddaughters, Kaitlynn, Danielle, and Dr. Tabitha Cooney; Sister-in-law Lois Meseroll; Sister Doris Eppinger and husband Ed; Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Connie and Roy String of Venice, Fla; Brother-in-law Ken Gerber of Tabernacle, NJ; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Stan.
     Internment of ashes will take place at Swan Memorial Gardens in Bigfork.
A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2106 at a date to be determined.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Bob’s name to Home Options Hospice or Bigfork QRU.

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