HOLMDEL - Robert Gildersleeve Jr.'s humor, enthusiasm for life and love for his family were remembered during an emotional funeral Mass at The Church of St. Catharine on Monday afternoon.
Hundreds of people from multiple states filled the church to say goodbye to the 45-year-old father of two, who was one of eight people killed in the deadly Amtrak train crash on May 12.
Gildersleeve, a former New Jersey resident, was traveling to New York City from his home in Elkridge, Maryland on business when the speeding train derailed.
On Monday, his daughter, Ryan, and son, Marc, fought through tears as they read letters to their father that did not mourn his death but rather celebrated their memories of him.
"I'm so lucky to have gotten to travel all over the world with you," Ryan Gildersleeve read. "No matter where we were, the canals in Venice, the pyramids in Egypt or the aisles of Home Depot, you made every trip fun."
She said still couldn't comprehend all that has happened, but promised her father that she would continue some of his quirky traits.
Robert Gildersleeve Jr. (Courtesy of Ecolab)
"Thanks for loving Marc and mom and myself as much as you do," she said. "I love you more that words."
Marc Gildersleeve told his father that his letter was the hardest thing he ever had to write, but that it was "so easy to remember the memories" they made together.
"I'll never forget the day you came into my room and said: 'I want to go look at quads' and I thought you were just joking to cover up for another routine errand. Riding ATVs with you was some of the most fun I've ever had in my life," he read. "Also, thank you for teaching me how to mow the lawn ... I promise I'll keep it looking good."
He then told is father that while it was hard for him to believe that they wouldn't be making any more memories together, he was happy they got to share as many as they did.
"Thank you for teaching me how to be a leader and how to take care of others," he said. "When I was little and you were leaving for a business trip, you would tell me that I was the 'man of the house.' But I would always say that I'm the man 'in' the house. I will continue to be the man of the house and will take care of your girls."
Inside the funeral service program, Danna Leiner Gildersleeve wrote that her husband was her best friend for 29 years and that they had just celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary and Mother's Day on May 10.
"He is a remarkable dad... a loving son, brother and is definitely the 'fun' uncle to his nieces and nephews," she wrote. "He is funny and sarcastic and lights up any room with his presence, humor and enthusiasm. ... Our hearts are broken and we can't imagine a life without him."
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.