Robert J. Nielsen

Robert James Nielsen Jr., affectionately known as Bob to his friends and loved ones, has completed his final lap on Earth's circuit.

Born on November 23, 1952, in Somerset, NJ, Bob revved up his engines for the last time on April 8, 2024, in Reading, PA, crossing the finish line peacefully due to natural causes.

Bob was no stranger to the fast lane, graduating from Immaculata High School in 1971 with all the horsepower of youth. He soon became a self-employed master automotive technician, a title that barely scratched the surface of his mechanical wizardry. Before shifting into the leisurely pace of retirement, he could be found tinkering under the hoods at Vac's Auto Service, where he was as much a fixture as the greasy wrenches and car manuals. In the grand race of life, Bob was never one to idle. His pit stops included diving into the virtual world of PC gaming, where he was as legendary for his digital dexterity as he was for his real-world mechanical skills. A voracious reader, he could speed through novels like a hot rod on an open stretch of highway. When it came to Nascar and football, Bob was the ultimate fan, cheering and analyzing plays with the precision of a seasoned coach. As a movie enthusiast, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of film trivia that would put any quiz show to shame. Bob's intelligence was as renowned as his kindness and his hands as handy as they come. He could fix anything from a leaking faucet to a sputtering Subaru. His humor was the oil that kept the engine of his life running smoothly, and his quick wit beat was faster than Tony Stewart on race day. Speaking of his beloved pit crew,

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert James Nielsen Sr and Rita Irene Nielsen, but his legacy is carried on by a troupe of characters; his daughter, Amy Whitehead; James Nielsen (the ever-patient Natasha); his daughters, Sara and Elizabeth Nielsen; his daughter, Dr. Martha Shirley (partner-in-crime Drew); and his daughter, Rachel Schvaneveldt (the unflappable Skyler).

Bob's memory will be cherished like a classic car, polished and admired for generations. His wit and wisdom, like the purr of a well-maintained engine, will resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. Though he's taken the checkered flag and parked in the great garage in the sky, Bob's tales of life in the fast lane will continue to be told with a chuckle and a smile. Rev your engines one last time and raise a glass of scotch for Bob Nielsen Jr., a man who lived life in the fast lane but always took the time to enjoy the scenic route.

As we say our goodbyes, let's remember that in the great race of life, Bob was a champion who left us all in high spirits, laughing in the rearview mirror. Keep on cruising, Bob, and may your roads be forever free of speed bumps and your skies as clear as the perfect day for a drive.

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