Robert Cutlar Fergusson Sr.

Robert Cutlar "Fergie" Fergusson Sr., 93, of West Caldwell, NJ on Thursday, November 15, 2007. Mr. Fergusson was born on April 25, 1914, in Chicago, Illinois. He married his one true love, Hope Price, on Christmas Eve of 1938, and they were married for 51 years. For three full years, from 1943 through 1945, he served with the United States 5th Army in Italy during World War II as a demolitions specialist, achieving the rank of tech sergeant. In his early career, Bob worked in New York City as a floor manager for Best & Company in their Boys & Men's Shop. Then after his army service, he worked for Joseph E. Seagram & Son, in Sales and Marketing, for the next 30 years, retiring in 1976. Bob and Hope moved to Montclair in 1965, where they lived in their home on Gates Avenue until Hope's death in 1990 and Bob's move to Crane's Mill in West Caldwell in 2003. Throughout his time in Montclair, Bob was active in his church and with various community organizations. He joined First Congregational Church in Montclair in 1965 and, over the years, served as a Sunday school teacher and as President of the Congregation. He joined the Montclair chapter of the American Red Cross in July of 1966 where he was a driver in the Transportation department. He became a Chapter Chairman and later received an award for 40 years of service. Bob was also one of the founding members of First Montclair House, at 56 Walnut Street, and became an honorary life member of the Board of Directors there. In 1990, after his beloved wife died, Bob became a volunteer at Mountainside Hospital. He worked as a Patient Representative, greeter, newspaper delivery person and was most widely known as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Bob was the 1998 recipient of the Florence F. Schumann Award, which is given annually to an employee, volunteer or Auxilian who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" in service to the hospital. He is survived by his son, Robert C. Fergusson, Jr., daughter-in-law Joan, one grandson, Donal and his wife Susan. The memorial service will be at 10am on Saturday, December 8, at First Congregational Church, 20 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to his church.