Robert James Lauer

Robert James Lauer, 52, of Barnegat, New Jersey passed away July 10, 2022, in Eastlake, Ohio doing what he loved.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncles, sister and his father, Capt. (Bob)Robert J. Lauer Sr.

Rob is survived by his loving wife, Christina L. (nee-Bennett) Lauer; sons, Matthew, and Joseph; mother, Pat B. (nee-Roth) Lauer; in-laws, James, and Linda Bennett. Also survived by his brother in-laws, sister in-laws, his goddaughter, nieces, nephews, great niece and great nephews, many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Rob was a beloved friend and mentor to many. He also leaves behind his racing family and community. TO SAY HE WAS LOVED WAS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

Rob grew up on the Barnegat Bay (It was literally his back yard) where he and his friends would build forts in the meadow reeds, raced their boats through crazy creek, clammed the bay, went duck hunting and many, many other things. When he was 14, he ran a safety boat for the local Garvey Club, this is where his love for racing began and grew into his passion. At 17, he started racing in offshore with his mom in APBA in B-33 Kamikaze. Life came full circle in 2007 when his family encouraged him to climb back in to his beloved 29ft Mirage and race. This is where many lasting friendships were born and OPA became family to the Lauer’s. To say Rob loved racing was an understatement, he had a passion for racing, the only thing he enjoyed more was his family. Rob loved the smell of salt water, he loved taking his wife on many beach trips, his favorite was Maui. Rob and Chris loved to sit and listen to the waves crash on the shore. Rob loved family vacations and taking trips with friends. Rob gave the best hugs and always made you feel important, to know him was to love him. Rob and Chris were best friends then high school sweethearts, he was his families everything.

Rob was an accomplished boat racer with the Garvey Club, he was a six-time World Champion, US Champion, and High Points Overall Champion several times in the G-4 and G-33. In offshore, he raced with his mom and many other talented boat racers. In 2021 he was the recipient of the God Father Cup for OPA.  This honor goes to someone who is always ready to help a fellow racer. It is one of OPA biggest awards. But his greatest joy was racing with both his boys as they learned the ropes. He was so proud of his boys as they took the rains and began racing together. He liked nothing better than watching them win.

Rob was also a basketball and football coach for JR Bengals. He touched many people in his community. Rob worked as a Bay Men clamming, learned the ropes in boat hauling and the marina business as a young man from his dad. He worked for Johnathan Green for twenty-five years. He was also a successful businessman running his own boat hauling business which he then taught the trade to his boys. Rob was a mentor, coach, boat racer, husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend, but most of all he was a HUMBLE MAN….

Rob will be truly missed by many….

A Celebration of Life will be held on Rob’s beloved Barnegat Bay on September 17,2022, at Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill, 451 East Bay Ave., Barnegat NJ 08005. Sun Harbor will also be doing a benefit that day for the family, it will be from 12:00 – 4:00 pm to celebrate Rob’s life with his community, family, and friends. Memorial Contributions can be made to one of Rob and Chris’s favorite charities, which are: St. Jude, March of Dimes Relay for life, and a local charity, Jason’s Jem’s for Autism awareness.