Robert M. Schuster, 85, died December 23, 2020 in Trenton, NJ.  He was born and raised in Newark, NJ and lived in the state most of his life.

He entered a machinist apprenticeship program at Westinghouse Corp. in Newark.  Engineers at Westinghouse noticed his capabilities and encouraged him to return to school for a Bachelor's degree.  He obtained a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering (currently New Jersey Institute of Technology) in 1960.

After graduating, he developed expertise in radar technology and radio frequencies for the US Navy at A.G. DuMont Laboratories.  In 1964, he joined the Astro Space Division of RCA in East Windsor where he became a respected principal engineer for components used in communication satellites. There, among his other achievements, he introduced the first use of newly invented semiconductors in the challenging environment of outer space.  As a member of a crack team, he was awarded the prestigious David Sarnoff Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement for the first commercial solid state microwave power amplifier in space.  He was lead engineer for the Viking Mars Lander Command Detector which provided communication between earth and the Mars Rover for NASA's 1975 groundbreaking mission to Mars.  These were just a few of his achievements in a long engineering career.

From an early age, Bob had a passion for classical music. He especially loved talking and reading about quantum physics, cosmology, radio frequencies, and all the wonders of the universe. He built a working Tesla coil and loved to tinker with lights and circuits.  In retirement, he turned his talents to use in helping to maintain and run an authentic steam powered paddlewheel boat (SPLASH) used for students learning about aquatic life in the Delaware River in Lambertville.  He enjoyed teaching a physics component. Children loved Bob and he loved taking them on adventures.

Bob felt injustice deeply and empathized with those on the wrong end of the stick. He was a champion of fairness and respect for the dignity of all. He loved taking care of people, his sons, daughters-in-law and grandkids, his stepdaughters, and his beloved Ellen

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary T. and Frederick Schuster, his brother Frederick Schuster, sister Mary Beach, his first wife, Ruth Ann Garrison Schuster, and son, Neil Matthew Schuster.  He is survived by his second wife of 34 years, Ellen Heath, three sons and their wives, Robert F. Schuster (Kathy), Paul A. Schuster (Fern), Alan M. Schuster (Michelle), daughter-in-law, Sue Schuster, and two step daughters, Amy Byrum (Yuliy Baryshnikov), and Greta Byrum, 15 grandchildren: Joshua, Jordana, Victoria, Jeremy, Julie, Matthew, Andrew, Rachel, Eric, Jesse, Angela, Janine, Sarah, Diza and Orion. He also leaves 14 delightful great grandchildren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice and mailed to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 2 Southgold Drive, Suite B, Hamilton, NJ  08691