Burlington County Times obituary
Robert C. Shinn, Jr. of Hainesport, passed away at his home on Friday, May 5, 2023. He was 85.
Born in Mount Holly, Bob was a graduate of Rancocas Valley Regional High School and attended Drexel University. He served in the US Army during the Korean War.
Mr. Shinn was a lifelong politician and public servant. His distinguished career spanned more than four decades, serving the public at multiple levels of government. During that time, Shinn made immeasurable contributions to safeguarding and improving environmental quality, deeply and positively influencing countless people along the way.
Related:
Republican served as Hainesport mayor, Burlington freeholder, and Pinelands Commissioner (NJ Globe)
Shinn was a leader in farmland preservation (Courier-Post)
Marine Research vessel dedicated to former DEP commissioner Rober C. Shinn, Jr. (NJDEP)
NJ Governor lowers flags to honor former DEP Commissioner
He was the former Mayor of Hainesport Township in 1973-1974, served as a member of the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1977-1985, serving twice as Freeholder Director.
Bob was a former Member of the NJ General Assembly from the 8th district from 1985-1994 and former Commissioner of the NJ DEP from 1994-2002 under Governor Christie Todd Whitman. He helped lead the “Environmental Commissioners of the 50 States” (ECOS) organization for the entire country in driving National environmental public policy in the 1990s. His knowledge of the environment and vision in addressing climate change and environmental results-based management (25 years ago) were unparalleled.
In addition to politics and environmental issues, Mr. Shinn was the founder and president of Material Handling System, S2 Concepts, and Hollyford Enterprises, Inc. He was always busy tinkering around and held two US mechanical patents. He was also a member and Past President of the Mount Holly Rotary Club. Bob was completely down to earth and treated everyone with dignity and respect. He enjoyed speaking and joking with everyone.
Bob is survived by his wife Paula of Hainesport; his daughter Debbie Shinn of Delran; step-daughter Jody Meeks of Woodland Township and step-son Scott Wiedemann of Atco; a grandson Dave Meeks. He is also survived by his sister Michelle Shinn, a nephew Nigel Encinas, and his former wife Barbara Shinn of Mount Laurel.
A Viewing will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 12 pm – 3 pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly. A Service will follow at 3 pm. Contributions in his memory may be made to Rancocas Valley Regional High School for a scholarship that will be started in his name.
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