05/28/2026
It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and everyone’s friend, Big Bob.
Bob was the heart of his family — a steady, strong, and loving man whose life was defined by devotion to the people he loved most. As a husband, he shared a lifetime of love, loyalty, and partnership with his cherished wife Lorraine [ nee Tofilski]. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that will live on forever. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather he was a source of wisdom, protection, and unconditional love. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his family, telling stories, cooking meals, and enjoying the simple moments together. Bob was the devoted father of Robert J. Cerone Jr., his partner Lisa, Maryanne Santora, her husband Billy, and Dr. Jeffrey Cerone, his wife, Andrea. He was the cherished grandfather of Alyssa, Jessica, Billy, Jack, Andrew, Abby and Ella and great-grandfather to Connor.
He had a deep love for the outdoors, generating a very successful sporting good business while hunting and fishing the world. The woods, savannah grasslands, and the water were his place of peace, reflection, and tradition. Whether sitting quietly before dawn waiting for sunrise or sharing hunting stories with family and friends, those moments brought him great joy. Hunting and fishing was more than a pastime to him — it was part of who he was, a passion he carried throughout his life and one he proudly passed down through generations. He enjoyed every opportunity to spend time outside with the people he loved. Among the many places he hunted, a few were close to his heart: the dense wooded savannahs and sweeping grasslands of South Africa, the deep river drainages and marshy bogs of Kodiak Island. In his later years, he spent peaceful days planting crops, driving his tractor, and checking his rain gauge on his farm in north-central Missouri.
Bob was the original owner and operator of the family run Targeteers Archery Sporting Goods / Pro Shop started in 1957 in Saddle Brook, still in full family operation today, as he designed. Bob was very proud to be the 3rd largest Wi******er Repeating Arms distributor across the nation. His innovation was second to none with his partnership in the development of the Big Bucks Anderson Magnum broadheads and the development of the original tree sling which is now known as the saddle. Bob was a visionary in importing a smaller diameter fishing line, Tortue. During the 1980s, Bob played a key role in advancing and protecting the sport of bowhunting through contributions from his broadhead company to the United Bowhunters of New Jersey. His commitment and example encouraged other manufacturers to support the organization and contribute to the future of the sport.
He will be remembered for his hard working spirit, quiet strength, delicious meals, generous heart, and the unwavering love he gave to his family. His presence brought comfort, his guidance brought strength, and his love will remain with those who knew him forever.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the countless memories he leaves behind and the enduring legacy of love, family, and tradition he created. He will be deeply missed every day and lovingly remembered always.
Funeral services from Kugler Community Home For Funerals, Saddle Brook, NJ. Visiting hours on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 3-8pm. Funeral mass at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church 88 E, Saddle River Road Saddle River, NJ on Friday, May 29th at 10:30am. Interment to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Saddle Brook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research in memory of Bob Cerone.
