Obituary of Robert Stoeber
The cornerstone of our family was taken from us when Robert Stoeber suddenly passed away on March 23, 2024. He was 67 years old.
Born on June 13, 1956, in Plettenberg, Germany, Robert moved to the United States with his parents Alfred and Doris in 1957 and grew up in Northern New Jersey. From an early age Robert asserted his independence, navigating the streets of Bloomfield as he walked home by himself from the library at aged 5, too impatient to wait for his mother. This moment defined his personality as someone unafraid to take chances, with complete confidence in his ability to accomplish anything he set his mind to. Robert continued this pattern for his entire life, approaching every opportunity with steady determination, gaining skills and experience before moving on to the next challenge. Robert reached a level of excellence in every skill he tackled, from auto repair, to skiing, sailing, and piloting small planes. He used his skills to benefit others as well, teaching skiing and participating in programs that utilized private pilots to help facilitate medical transportation.
After completing his degree, Robert began his career in personal computers, forming his own company with his brother Ralph in the early 1980s. Together, they participated in the development of some of the earliest software for home use, enabling users with no previous experience to suddenly have access to the new and exciting technological advancements that would be available to everyone. Robert continued as an innovator in this field, creating software and programs that would become the answer to business complications wherever he was enlisted to do so. His work was his favorite hobby, and Robert truly loved sitting at his computer with a cup of coffee or glass of red wine, listening to his favorite music, getting lost in figuring out solutions to the latest work crisis. His work was far from his only interest, however. He also loved live music, long hikes, outlandish news stories, action movies, and traveling to new places.
While his profession was important to him, Robert's greatest love was for his family, especially his three exceptional daughters. He enjoyed sharing stories of growing up on Lake Parsippany, getting into trouble with his brother. The adventure of starting his business with Ralph was his favorite origin story, and he relished describing it in great detail. But ultimately it was the love and pride for daughters Morgan, Quinn, and Devon that sustained him. He couldn't wait to talk about them and was in awe of their accomplishments and of the caring, kind, determined women they have become.
Robert saw life as full of endless opportunity. To him, change was essential, and he never stopped seeking out new places, people, skills, and experiences. He finished his life as he would have wanted, exploring a new country and culture with his usual all-in enthusiasm. These are traits he passed on to his daughters, who never shy away from new challenges. His motto was to try everything—without taking a chance you'll never know what could be gained.
Robert is survived by his daughters Morgan (Joshua) Greene, Quinn (Christopher) Stoeber, and Devon Stoeber; his brother Ralph (Anne) Stoeber, and his sister Deborah (John) Caruso. Robert also leaves behind 2 grandsons and three nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Doris.
To honor Robert's memory, there will be a celebration of his life at a future date.
In Loving Memory
Robert Stoeber
1956 - 2024