Robert John Gasko, Jr. was born on September 16, 1949. His home of record is Mays Landing, NJ. Robert graduated from Oakcrest High School in 1967. He was the Vice President of his Senior Class and was voted “Best Personality & Warmest Smile.” Robert played baseball and football for the Lakers in his hometown.
Robert attended Rider College but then dropped out of school to work in his father’s business, Gasko Pontiac Buick GMC, Inc. At that time, the draft was in effect for all young men not attending school. Bobby was drafted into the US Army in June 1969.
Gasko served in the US Army and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). He served with the 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, 1st Field Force Vietnam.
He married Janice Gillingham in the chapel at Fort Dix, NJ.
Gasko was killed in action on January 20, 1970. He died by friendly fire in Binh Thuan, South Vietnam. He was buried in Union Cemetery, Mays Landing NJ.
A scholarship is given every year in memory of ‘Bobby’ by his father, Robert Sr., to a baseball player in the graduating class at Oakcrest High School who possesses good sportsmanship qualities.
There is also a tree planted in the park in the center of town on Main Street, Mays Landing, and on a monument, his name is inscribed with several other fallen heroes from the community.
Four of his closest friends get together, year after year, for a golf outing. They have a winners’ memorial plaque and whoever wins keeps the plaque until the following year when they meet again.
Need we say more! Bobby has always been remembered and will remain in our hearts.
Many, many thanks to all those involved for having a street named after Bobby.
Sources: Bob Gasko, Sr., (father), Barbara Aiken, (sister) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
