Bob G ass
COLTS NECK’S Bob Gassaway
&
his stories of planes, trains and automobiles
aw ay ow
ns and d exac t “c ri ves a 1957 Ford opy ” of th Club V ic to e one he b ou ght b ria, w hich is an rand new in 1957.
Gassaway is still working and has no immediate plans to retire.
After a 10-year stay at the Hobby Shop in Aberdeen, he left on March 31, 2012 and started work three days later at his current job as a Military Defense Contractor. Though he made the job change at 74 and could have easily “retired,” Gassaway said, “Retirement is extremely overrated!” By managing what spare time is available, he can continue to pursue his hobbies and interests. “You will hardly ever see me glued to a television. I make the best use of my time in order to enjoy all that life has to offer. It won’t come to you – you have to pursue it on your own,” Gassaway shared. Using his time wisely includes spending time with his wife Lilyan, son
STORY SUSAN MURPHY
Ron, daughters Marie, Linda, and Debbie and his five grandsons and
Colts Neck resident Bob Gassaway is an active
Reformed Church, an Elder and current Deacon as the Commissioner for
77-year-old
with
three granddaughters. He is also a 25-year member of the Colts Neck
a
sunny
demeanor
whose
interests and hobbies include planes, trains, and automobiles. He is definitely not an amateur hobbyist or a man who cautiously pursues an interest. Gassaway gives his full and undivided attention to whatever he is involved in – be it a hobby, an interest or a job.
the Building and Grounds.
As a young boy of nine, Gassaway received his first used set of trains.
His further interest and eventual hobby of collecting trains and building train layouts grew during his time spent at Rahway Hobby Stop on Saturdays where he worked up to the age of 17. He noted that his favorite railroads are the Pennsylvania RR and the Jersey Central RR, both of which are Fallen Flags. Later in his life, Gassaway re-bought all the items on his original first layout and recreated it from a picture he had. He then donated it to an auction held for Open Door Charities. “As we approach the autumn of our lives, if we have done well, I feel it is important to give
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