Robert Ganslen (1926-2012).

Robert Ganslen passed away November 6, 2012 at The Gardens Court in Palm Beach Gardens Florida. He was predeceased by his mother, Rose M. Ganslen (1963), his father William Ganslen (1968), his brother Wilbur (1972), his sister Thelma Hoagland (2000)

Survived by his loving spouse, Mary Cecilia Ganslen (Barrados). He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews in New Jersey and Florida, William (Elvira) Yeager, Robert (Jenny) Yeager, Diane Kramer and their children and his nieces and nephews in Canada, Angela Barrados, Alan (Penny) Barrados, Kathleen Barrados and Angelina (Jeff) Barrados.

Robert Ganslen was a caring, loving man to his parents, his wife, Cecilia, nieces and nephews and friends. Bob was born in February 1, 1926 the youngest of three children. He and his family lived through the Great Depression so he learned the value of money and hard work.


Bob enlisted in the army as soon as he could in 1943. After his training he was sent overseas and fought with the 4th Armored Division of the United States Army-a division known as the "breakthrough" Division as Communications Chief. It was a rough life in a Sherman tank but one that Bob never complained about instead he proudly talked of his contribution to the American push to end World War II.

He received an honorable discharge from the Army July 1, 1946. He was recognized with the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

After the War he took training in television repair. He bought a house and car and looked after his Mother and Father who were now getting up in years. Bob could repair and fix not only televisions but most other things around the house particularly if they were electrical. A big hit was the old pin ball machine that he kept in perfect working order in their New Jersey home.

He also developed a new passion -Bowling. He went bowling several times a week, traveled the United States with his friends and became a bowling champion.

One of Bob's bowling friends had visited Cecilia, her mother and brothers in Montreal. He suggested that Bob come along with him around 1972. Bob met Cecilia and it was the beginning of a long, loving relationship. Bob visited Montreal again and went to visit her in Rio de Janeiro where Cecilia was on a one year assignment with Bell Canada. In Brazil they decided to get married.

They were married in Montreal at Cecilia's home church on June 22, 1974. Bob's family and friends came from New Jersey and Cecilia's family came from across Canada. Bob and Cecilia moved into Bob's house in Union and Cecilia got a transfer of her job from Bell to AT&T and Bob continued working with RCA.

When AT&T moved out of New York to Basking Ridge, Bob and Celia moved to Basking Ridge, New Jersey where they had a big yard and beautiful garden that was tended with great care. They both loved traveling to Florida and made frequent trips usually by car visiting along the way, particularly during the winter.

They kept close touch with their nieces and nephews in New Jersey and in Canada. A connection they maintained through the years, participating in as many family events as possible.

After they retired they traveled many times to Canada from East to West, to Portugual, Maderia and England, to Germany to Oberammergau for the passion play, visited Cecilia's brother, John, in Singapore and went on to visit Thailand and Malyasia. They took many cruises to Alaska and in the Carribean and visited England with Cecilia's other brother, Frank.

They finally moved permanently to Florida where they could enjoy the warm sunny winter. Initially they came North for the summer but eventually equipped themselves to weather whatever storms might occur. Bob was an active member of St. Patrick Church and supported the American Legion and the National WWII Museum.

Bob celebrated his last anniversary with Cecilia in The Garden's Court where they had adjoining rooms so they could continue to spend time together.

Bob had a ready smile and the bluest eyes that didn't miss a thing. We will all miss him.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to a charity of your choice or to The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA. 70130, U.S.A.