Obituary of Robert Smiley Bejarano

Bob “Bj” Bejarano (87) was born in Philadelphia PA and passed away in Toms River NJ on 04/10/2025, he passed peacefully in his sleep, after a brief illness. He was the direct descendant of John F. Peto. American still life painter, from Island Heights NJ. He loved his family, being a firefighter, and most of all his grandkids. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, numismatist, and bird watcher. You could find him on the water either crabbing or fishing, in the backyard tending to his plants, or studying a handful of coins. Bob was a lifetime member of the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, Parsippany Troy Hills, District 2. He was Chief multiple times and was honored for 50 years of service in 2023. Bob grew up in Island Heights NJ and Sao Paulo Brazil. He attended the University of Miami and then moved to Chicago. He returned to New Jersey and resided in Rainbow Lakes and later retired to Waretown. He was preceded in death by his mother Blossom Smiley Bejarano, father Jose Bejarano, sister Michelle Bejarano, and grandson Brian Dodgson. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Bejarano, siblings Barbara Coleman and Gregory Bejarano, his children John Ritter, Jean (John) Carey, Robin (Doug) Bejarano, Mark Ritter, Steven (Kristin) Bejarano, his 9 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He will be inurned at Riverside Cemetery in Toms River NJ in the Peto/Smiley family plot.