Robert Weil, Charter Member of Silverton Fire Company, Dies at Age 95

Robert "Bob" Weil, the last surviving Charter Member of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, died last week at age 95. 

Born in Elizabeth in 1917, Weil had served as a firefighter in Silverton since the fire company's inception 62 years ago. The oldest volunteer firefighter in Ocean County, he continued to be active with the company up until a few weeks before falling ill, according to Capt. Michael Cocco.

"This marks a very said day for the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company," Cocco said.

Weil, who also once served as the company's chief, died on April 19 at the home of his step-daughter Carol McClanahan, surrounded by his family. 

"His greatest passions in life were the Silverton fire department, his family and friends, his love of model trains and ships, and his stamp collection," reads a posting made by the fire company on its Facebook page. 

In addition to serving Silverton, Weil was a member of the Ocean County Fireman's Association, Ocean County Fire Chief's Association, Toms River Fire Officers Association and other civic organizations. He also served in the U.S. Army, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines during World War II, according to his obituary. 

Weil was buried in the Ocean County Memorial Park last week. His Last Alarm Assignment came over the fire pager when the company transported his body during services. 

"Chief Weil, with your passing, although this company will lose an integral part of itself, the character will live on through the lives of those countless people of all ages and backgrounds that have been touched by your presence," the assignment reads. 

"This is your last alarm assignment. Your work here on this earth has drawn to an end and you are now with the highest of Chiefs, who has seen fit to call you home, to rest from your labors. Again, Bob, you will be sorely missed, but lest forgotten. God bless you and rest in peace."

Weil was the son of Ernest Weil and Elizabeth (MacGregar) Weil and brother of Lillian Cabarle of Cranford. He married Mary Elizabeth (Coyle) Weil in 1940 and Elinor (Dale) Weil in 1974.

Weil was predeceased by Mary Elizabeth in 1974 and Elinor in 1988; also his infant daughter, Rose; his son, Joseph P. Weil; his grandson, Richard A. Weil; and his two sisters, Nancy Weil and Ernistine Fidele.

Weil is survived by his children, Robert Edward Weil and his wife, Patricia of Anoka, Minn.; Gloria Sokol and her husband, Thomas of South Toms River; Arlene Decker of Bayville, Richard Weil of Toms River; Linda Weil, Joseph's wife of Brick; Diane Favale and her husband, Vincent of Bayville; Duane Weil Sr. and his wife, Barbara of Bayville; and Jacqueline Rose Middleton and her husband, Michael of Bayville.

He is also survived by his step-children, Carol McClanahan of Toms River, Linda Wright of Arizona, Dennis Wall and Donald Wall; his 27 grandchildren, his 38 great-grandchildren, and his seven great-great-grandchildren.