Robert Francis Cristella – Bobby to the family and friends who adored him and Coach Bob to the generations of Tri-County swimmers and Delran High School athletes he inspired – passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2016. He was 50 years old.


A Delran, NJ native, Bobby was an icon in the South Jersey athletic community. He graduated from Limestone College in Gaffney, SC after serving as the team's inaugural lacrosse captain. He created champion swimmers as coach of Pomona and Riverdel Swim Clubs, Jersey Wahoos, and Holy Cross and Delran High Schools. He pioneered lacrosse programs throughout South Jersey and began the men's lacrosse team at Delran High School, his alma mater.


Bobby is survived by his wife Judy (McGonigle) and beloved children, Caitlyn, Bobby, Carly and Riley; his parents, Charles and Nancy Cristella; brother Charles Cristella (Tammy);  uncle and aunt, Tim and Peggy Walling; cousin, Tim Walling;  parents-in-law, John and Eileen McGonigle, sisters-in-law Kim and Kristin McGonigle; brother-in-law John McGonigle (Tara); nephews Chase and Carson Cristella and Jacob McGonigle; nieces Caroline Cristella and Madison McGonigle; loving friends and countless athletes who called him their coach, mentor and friend.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Wednesday evening, 6-9 P.M. and Thursday morning, 9-10:45 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, 103 4th St, Riverton, NJ 08077. Funeral Mass 11 A.M. Interment Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the Cristella Children's Educational Fund at www.gofundme.com/2tj49f99
would be appreciated.