Robert Edward Sellen Sr

Robert Edward Sellen, Sr., 86, a life long resident of Woodbury, died at home on August 23, 2010. Bob worked for 26 years as Assistant Supervisor in the Accounting Department of Mobil Oil Corporation, before opening the firm R.E. Sellen Public Accountants in 1971. He continued to work in his home office at the end of Centre Street until formally retiring at the age of 83. During his long career as a Public Accountant he served multiple terms as President of the Camden, Gloucester & Burlington West Chapter of the NJ Association of Public Accountants. He also served for 20 years on the NJAPA state board of trustees.


As a senior in high school, Bob enlisted in the US Army days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He left Woodbury for boot camp in early January 1942 and returned in June as an Army Corporal to graduate in uniform, with the Woodbury High School class of 1942. He served five years active duty during WWII and again as an Active Army Reservist, from 1960 to 1961 during the Berlin Wall Crisis. It was during this period that he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer II and was assigned as Personnel Officer of the 82nd Airborne stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In addition to his active duty service, he served 18 years in the US Army Reserves and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer III. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion & the South Jersey Chapter of the Military Officers Association Of America.


Bob was an active member of Kemble Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as the Chairman of the CARE Fund and on various committees and boards. He was a former member of Central Baptist Church for 61 years, where he was a member of the men's group called the Chain Gang and served on the Board of Trustees and finance committee. For several years, beginning in 1954, he was the Gloucester County Boy Scout Campaign Chairman. He found it difficult to say no and was always willing to volunteer his time and services when called upon.


Bob had a special love of music and as a teenager played drums professionally with his father Les and in other bands in the South Jersey area. As an adult he played the organ and would entertain friends and family. Bob was predeceased by his first wife of 39 years France "Bunny" Sellen of Warfield, VA. who died of cancer in 1983.


Bob is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Elizabeth "Libby", two sons Robert E. Jr. (Corrin) of Mickleton, L. Scott (Carolyn) of Denver, CO; step son David (Lisa) MacGibeny; step daughter Jodie (Michael) Richeal; two grandchildren Elizabeth & Aaron Sellen & six step grandchildren Lauren Greer, Marlena & Patrick Richeal and Collin, Emily & Julia MacGibeny.


Bob is best known for his smile, his sense of humor, and for always having time to listen and a shoulder cry on. He expressed his love openly and was not afraid to show his emotions. No matter how anyone felt upon seeing Bob, nobody left his presence without a smile on their face. Those who knew Bob well and even recent acquaintances will miss his fun-loving spirit, his gentle guidance, and his loving heart. He was a gentleman and a gentle man.

Visitation Monday 10am until the service at 11am at the Kemble Memorial United Methodist Church 19 S. Broad St. Woodbury, NJ under the direction of the DAVIS & WAGNER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES Woodbury, NJ. Interment with Military Honors, Eglington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Permanent Memorial Fund of Kemble Memorial United Methodist Church or Holy Redeemer Hospice 150 Ninth Ave. Runnemede, NJ 08078 or Woodbury Food Pantry 124 N. Broad St. Woodbury, NJ 08096. Memories & condolences shared at daviswagner.com

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