Robert Gumbert, 78, avid angler worked in insurance
April 2, 2020
Robert Gumbert of the River Club died March 25. He was 78.
He was born in Rockville Centre, N.Y., the son of Dorothy and Robert Gumbert. He lived in Westfield, N.J., for 20 years. His father started Little League in Westfield, and Bob was his star player. He was actively involved with the Readington Township Baseball league from the Pee Wee group through American Legion ball.
He graduated from Upsala University in East Orange, N.J., with a degree in business management and economics. He married his high school sweetheart, Carole Manton Gumbert. They lived in Whitehouse Station, N.J., where they raised a family. Family was always the most important part of his life.
Mr. Gumbert worked for the nationwide firm of Kemper Insurance and was ranked the top workers compensation examiner.
He had a green thumb, raising dozens of various vegetables and hundreds of roses. He gave away hundreds of amazing Jersey Beefsteak tomatoes. He also delighted in his many loving dogs.
Mr. Gumbert was an avid freshwater fisherman for 30 years in New Jersey. He always had trout in the freezer. When he moved to Pawleys Island, he adapted so well to saltwater fishing that he was called Flounder Bob. He out-caught everyone he fished with and even won state awards for the largest flounder. He caused quite a stir catching that fish as about 40 people gathered to watch Flounder Bob land that whopper.
Mr. Gumbert and his family took hundreds of trips around the U.S., favoring the National Parks and landmarks.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by two children, Karen Jeanne Gumbert of Plantation Fla., and Robert James Gumbert of Livingston, N.J., who are CPAs; his sister Janet Gumbert Dann (Chandler) and their children of Auburn, Calif.; his sister-in-law, Claire Manton Bartos, and her family of Charlotte; and his brother-in-law, Jack Manton, and his family of Charlotte.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. There is guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com. Condolences may be sent to carolegumbert@frontier.com or 1668 Club Circle, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.
Memorials may be made to The Shriners Hospital for Children.
