Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre have introduced legislation (SJR-146 and AJR-209) to designate June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey.
The 9th District Delegation offered the following remarks regarding their legislative initiative to honor Bob Popovics.
“Bob was a respected Marine veteran, legendary fisherman, owner of the Shady Rest Restaurant in Bayville, and loving family man. His tragic death shocked the community with many still mourning his loss. In representing the interests of our constituents, we introduced legislation to designate June 1 as Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day’ to not only honor Bob’s memory, but to promote his remarkable qualities which earned him the respect of so many.”
The Delegation’s legislative resolution reads as follows:
“This joint resolution designates June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey.
“Born in Trenton and residing in Seaside Park for many years, Robert “Bob” Popovics has been a longtime resident of the State of New Jersey. On November 1, 2024, Bob passed away due to his injuries from an accident at the age of 75.
“Bob has made numerous contributions to his community, the State, and the United States. Bob proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
“Additionally, having taken over the establishment from his parents, Bob and his wife operated the Shady Rest restaurant in Bayville, New Jersey. Bob was also well-renowned in the fishing community for being an avid fly fisherman, master fly tyer, and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pop Fleyes, a custom fly tying and educational company. His fly designs have been considered groundbreaking and his community meetings led to the creation of the Atlantic Saltwater Flyrodders.
“To recognize Bob’s numerous contributions to the New Jersey community in which he lived, the fishing community, and the United States, it is altogether fitting and proper to designate June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey.” Presently SJR-146 is awaiting consideration by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee while AJR-209 is awaiting consideration by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
