Bob Hitman, 94, of Hammonton NJ, passed away at home on August 12, 2026. He devoted his life to family, friendships, music, his town, and sharing his humor. Bob moved to Hammonton at age 3. He attended Hammonton High School, where his musical career began playing baritone horn.

Bob served honorably in the U.S. Navy, beginning in High School, and during the Korean War through 1954. He picked a random job that had an interesting name, so he ended up as an ordnanceman. He was responsible for literally every weapon that would go on a plane from the wing guns to the ejection system to the bombs and rockets. Bob was also proud to have served on the USS Hornet, where he helped recommission the ship as an aircraft carrier.

When he returned to Hammonton, Bob worked in K&H Auto Parts on Bellevue Avenue, founded by his father Harry Hitman in 1935. He eventually became a part owner of this downtown landmark which operated for nearly 70 years. Afterwards he continued to work past retirement age for World Class Flowers and Riggins Oil, jobs he loved where he forged lasting friendships.

In April 1957 Bob married the love of his life Audrey Siegelbaum. They raised (and are survived by) three children: Autumn Pickett (Paul), of Washington State; Michael (Vickie), of Hammonton; and Meyerah Melker (David), of Colorado. Bob will be dearly missed by his children, as well as by his 10 grandchildren: Leyzer (Tikvah) Pickett, Meridan (Moni) Pickett, Grey (Ting-Ru) Pickett, Ariane (Mike Nunnciato), Brandi (Bill Woodworth), Samantha (Scott Denny), Harrison (Alex) Hitman, Ella (Travis Raynor), Perry Melker, and Regev Melker; and his 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Audrey; his parents Harry Hitman and Evelyn Block Hitman; and his brother Mitch Hitman.

His life-long passion was to play his baritone horn in a multitude of regional bands.  He was an alumni of: the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Band, Egg Harbor Masonic Band, Mays Landing VFW Band, Hammonton Bicentennial Band, Pitman Hobo Band, Salem County Brass Society, Chesapeake Brass, Philadelphia Summer Symphony Club, Wheaton Brass Band, Atlantic Brass Band, Camden County College Brass Band, Burlington County College Band, Cumberland County College Wind Symphony, Beck's Civil War Brass Band, and countless pick-up bands.

Bob is remembered throughout the community not only as a business owner but as contributor to community vibrancy. The list of volunteer projects he participated in for the benefit of the Town of Hammonton is too long to list. He was an unsung hero; he quietly chipped in when help was needed. Examples included planting trees on Bellevue Avenue, painting lines for parking spaces, construction of parks, and helping to maintain the town's public clock.

Anyone who knew Bob remembers his kindness and generosity. And in particular, they will never forget his sense of humor. He was a fountain of corny jokes and viewed life through the ironic lens of a humorist. If you asked him how he was doing, he'd always reply "damn near perfect."

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, 11:00 am at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton, where a visitation will be held from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Entombment will follow in Greenmount Cemetery, Hammonton.