Robert George Mueller

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Robert “Bob” George Mueller, often referred to affectionately as “Coach”, on February 16th, 2025 in Lafayette Colorado where he lived. Bob was 82 years old. 

Bob was born on February 24th, 1942 in Summit, NJ to Wilbur and Dorothea Mueller of Kenilworth, NJ. After graduating from Westfield High School in NJ, he earned his MA in Education at Ithaca College in NY, where he was also a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams. He served in the US Army at Valley Forge Army Hospital, before embarking on a career in coaching, wrestling officiating and athletic administration. Bob married Diane Sterzin of Herkimer, NY on June 15th, 1968. He was a man of endless energy, immense optimism, selfless generosity and service to others. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, teacher and coach who always embraced his passion for family, sport and service in equal measure.

Bob enjoyed spending his time watching a great game and having a great meal with the people he loved surrounding him. He was a quietly funny, tender and ever evolving man who focused his energy on service and helping others reach their own potential. He sought to nurture and develop leadership in those around him and he always led by example. Bob was a devotional husband, father and family man whose first priority was always the well being of those he loved.

After a brief period coaching in Metuchen, NJ and Fulton, NY, Bob spent nearly 40 years as the Director of Athletics at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS). Most of his lengthy career as the Athletic Director was spent at the Fort Monmouth, NJ location where he was also the Head Football and Wrestling coach. During those four decades, Bob guided thousands of young men and women at the start of their journey to becoming leaders and officers within our nation's military. Near the end of his tenure, he oversaw the design and development of the athletic buildings for the new USMAPS campus that was constructed at West Point, located in Highland, NY, where he eventually retired. Go Army! Beat Navy! After his retirement, Bob spent much of his time watching grandkids participate in activities and volunteering at organizations such as Meals on Wheels and A Precious Child.

Bob is survived by his wife Diane, his son David (Nicole) Mueller, his daughter Kristin Mueller and his grandchildren Christian Mueller, Nathan Mueller, Thea Mueller Bostwick and Lorna Mueller Bostwick as well as his brother Charles (Carol) Mueller, sister Susan Dreier (Angelo), sister Debbie (Bill) Meyer and sister in law Janet Mueller.

He is preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Dorothea Mueller, brother Don Mueller, and brother Bill Mueller.

A memorial service will be held April 25th at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, NJ at 11:30am with a reception to follow at Ferraro's on Elm St. in Westfield, NJ from 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Donations can be made in Bob's honor to:

Meals on Wheels

Precious Child

Please consider sharing your memories and condolences with Bob's family on his guestbook below.