ROBERT C. LANEY

     With profound sadness we announce Retired Army First Sergeant Robert Charles Laney, age 76, of Pemberton, NJ, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence May 1, 2026.

     Born on August 12, 1949, in Kew Gardens, NY, Bob spent his youth in Babylon, NY.  His first job was a Newsday paperboy, then learned auto mechanics while working at Sinclair Gas Station before answering the call to serve his country.  His time in the military was a defining period of his life, and he carried the resilience and quiet pride of a Vietnam Veteran until his final days.  After fulfilling his military commitments, he continued his career in transportation, driving the “big rigs” for several companies with a HazMat endorsement CDL.  He officially retired from KL ChemPak, Inc on June 1, 2012.

     Throughout his life, Bob was a personable albeit private man who walked a quiet, often independent path.  We remember him today through the lens of grace, honoring the history we shared, the life lessons learned from afar, and the heritage he leaves behind. 

     Bob dedicated 20 years of his life to the United States Army, willingly enlisting to serve on Feb 20, 1968.  A proud and highly decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he served under the 4th Transportation Command (Brigade) rising to the highest echelons of non-commissioned officer leadership.  He took immense pride in his military craft, earning elite designations in expert marksmanship and serving with distinction in field artillery units, proving himself to be a soldier's soldier long before earning his diamond as a First Sergeant.   An expert in marksmanship and field artillery, he spent years mastering the discipline and precision of heavy combat support before stepping into senior leadership roles where he was a respected leader who fiercely protected, mentored, and guided his soldiers through some of the war's most demanding logistical operations.

     First Sergeant Laney leaves behind a profound legacy of military excellence, marked by a distinguished array of decorations.  His awards include the Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (with 3 Bronze Knots), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 3), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

     To his family, he was 'Top' and 'Dad'—a man of unmatched strength, fierce loyalty, and a gentle heart.  The resilience, discipline, and unwavering bravery he forged on the range and in the fields of Vietnam became the absolute foundation upon which he built his family. 

     To carry on his legacy, he leaves behind: his 2nd wife, Laiad Khonsue-Laney, his 2 daughters from 1st marriage to Virginia Anne Post-Laney, Michele Lee [Vincent Burke] and Christina Marie [Willard Sprague]; his 3 grandchildren, Dean Alexander, Nina Corinne & Luke Christian; his brother, Everett Aldon Laney Jr.; and his sister, Anne Marie Paone, along with a host of extended family, friends, and fellow veterans.

     He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, James Arthur Laney and his parents, Everett Aldon Laney Sr. & Margaret Augusta Mauer-Smith.

     A funeral service with full military honors was held on May 6th with interment following at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery (Section Z7, 2623)

     Stand down soldier. Your watch has ended. Hail and Farewell, Daddy

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