Robert David 'Bob' Gryl

Robert David “Bob” Gryl passed away Nov. 14, 2019, after a valiant struggle with cancer. He was born in New York City June 28, 1964, the beloved son and third child of John Donald Gryl and Betty Jane Olinger Gryl. Bob grew up in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and attended Cedar Ridge High School. He also attended classes at Middlesex County Community College. He was an almost lifelong resident of New Jersey, with only brief chapters spent away in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Montana.

Bobby was a skilled craftsman and came from a long line of craftsmen. He was a proud member of the Tile Layers Union, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Local No. 52 out of New York. (BAC Local 7.) His beautiful, meticulous, tile, terrazzo and marble work adorns bathrooms, kitchens and shopping malls all over New Jersey and New York, including the shops in Rockefeller Center. His neighbors would all agree that his exquisite white marble bathroom was the most beautiful one in Madison Park. Bobby had a very strong work ethic and he was proud of his work, reflecting a long held, important family value.

Bob enjoyed other people, loved to party and have a good time, and was much loved by his many friends in New Jersey, Tennessee and, most recently, Montana. Bob had a big presence and was a great networker. A nurse at Sloan Kettering said “Everyone here knows Bobby Gryl,” such was his personality and impact on others. This also included local law enforcement, with whom he would sometimes banter. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July and he will long be remembered by his neighbors for his enthusiasm for having a big block party with lots of fireworks.

Bob comes from a long line of strong men and women and he demonstrated this trait well. Many of his doctors, care providers and friends were amazed at his ability to get back on his feet after 45 radiation treatments, chemotherapy, multiple rounds of pneumonia, numerous falls, and 26 strokes. He was strong, resilient, determined and brave as he faced his health challenges. There were many who showed up for Bob during the last year and a half of his life. His family wishes to thank all of them, whether they offered a ride to the doctor, a couch to sleep on, a place to stay, a meal, a hospital visit or simply a text with a kind word. They all made a difference at a time when it was much needed.

Bob will be missed greatly by his family. He is survived by his brother, John Freedom, of Santa Rosa, California; and sister, Franny Gryl, of Eureka, Montana. He loved his three kids and grandkids, being very proud of them and considering himself lucky to have them. They are Robert Gryl Jr. (Serenna Cole) of Livingston, Tennessee, John C. Gryl of Ocala, Florida, and Rayanne Gryl of Old Bridge; His two grandchildren are Robert Gryl III and Aurora Gryl of Livingston, Tennessee. He is also survived by his Aunt Dawn, of the Olinger farm in Tazewell, Virginia, with whom he had a special relationship and who, together with his Uncle David, left him with many fond childhood memories; and his cousins, Amy Olinger, Polly Billips, Melody Heath, Jill Olinger and Zach Olinger. He will also be missed by cousins Jeannie Maldonado and Tom Maldonado. Bob left behind two special critters, a cat named Compo and a Chihuahua named Ese, both who adopted him and gave him company and support during his final months.

Bob was a biker at heart and loved to ride his motorcycle through the Black Hills of South Dakota, often traveling with friends to Sturgis in the summer or to Daytona Beach for Spring Break. He preferred to ride without a helmet and the sense of freedom it gave. Bob used to say that he “only had one appointment that he needed to keep” and that was with his Maker. Everything else was negotiable.

“Bob, we love you and miss you. We know that you are free now, and that you had to keep that final appointment. You will be forever in our hearts.”

A celebration of life will be held Dec. 7 at Bellos in Parlin, New Jersey. A service in Montana will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center at https://giving.mskcc.org/donate-now or to Wings Regional Cancer Support in Kalispell, at www.wingsnwmontana.org/donate.

Arrangements are through Johnson-Gloschat in Kalispell.