Robert Pruchnicki

Robert “Bob” Pruchnicki of Flemington, New Jersey, passed away on November 7, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on November 30, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in Elizabeth, where he attended Catholic grammar school. His family later moved to Dunellen, and he graduated with the Dunellen High School Class of 1955. He went on to attend Rutgers University and later Syracuse University.

Bob served his country as a Radar Technician in the United States Air Force. During his military service, he was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, Biloxi, Mississippi, and at the Strategic Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. He carried that same steady, attentive nature into the rest of his life, becoming known as a man who was handy, thoughtful, and careful with details.

He built a long and successful career with American Standard, retiring in 2000 as Show Manager after more than 30 years. In that role, he was primarily responsible for the design, development, and deployment of temporary displays at conventions and home shows, and he also oversaw the distribution of sales information to potential customers. Even in retirement, Bob continued to put his skills to use, working for several years repairing jewelry for Pretty Jewelry in Flemington, New Jersey.

Bob was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed fly fishing near Califon, New Jersey, and took pleasure in making his own fly fishing lures. He was highly artistic and expressed that creativity in many ways, including repairing old jewelry pieces, creating beadwork, oil painting, and woodworking. He also enjoyed watching the New York Giants play on Sundays in the fall. Those who knew him will remember the warmth he brought to everyday life: coaching Little League for his son Michael’s team, singing a favorite tune from the 1950s, spending time in the kitchen—where his beef stew was a favorite—and taking cruises with Maurine.

His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. Bob was a longtime member of St. Magdalen Roman Catholic Church in Flemington, where he served alongside his wife, Maurine, on the Faith Committee during the years before the parish moved to its existing Flemington location.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Maurine Pruchnicki, née Dolezal. He is also lovingly remembered by his son, Michael and Susan Pruchnicki, of Winter Park, Florida; his daughter, Susan Pruchnicki, and her significant other, Tom Peterson, of St. Louis, Missouri; his grandsons, Matthew Lewis and Phillip Pruchnicki and his wife Ariel; his granddaughters, Phoebe and Penelope; his brother-in-law, John Pohira of Winter Park, Florida, and his niece Ann Vliet, as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Irene (Kuczera) Pruchnicki; his sister, Janet Pohira; and his brother-in-law, George Dolezal.

A Mass of Christian Burial is being planned for a later date at St. Magdalen Church in Flemington NJ.  Please check this webpage for further information as details become available.  

Funeral arrangements are under the direction Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St, Flemington NJ 08822.  Please leave condolences at www.holcombefisher.com.

Bob will be remembered for his devotion to family, his faith, his creativity, and the quiet skill and care he brought to everything he did. His life was one of service, craftsmanship, and love, and his memory will remain a lasting blessing to those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to the St. Magdalen Church. 105 Mine St, Flemington NJ 08822.