BALENTINE Dr. Robert G. (1927-2017) Dr. Robert G. Balentine, 89, of Park Ridge, NJ and Cotuit, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 4. He was born on May 23, 1927 in New Brunswick, NJ, the son of Warren and Doris (Lampson) Balentine. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Elaine M. Balentine, and his two brothers, James and Richard Balentine. Robert (Bob) was a graduate of Barnstable High School in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Bob served in the United States Army and was deployed to Germany during the Army of Occupation. He earned his Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Education from Boston University and his Doctorate of Education from Rutgers University. Dr. Balentine was a lifelong educator from teacher, to principal, to Superintendent of Schools in Park Ridge for 20 years. He was a recognized and effective leader of education in New Jersey at the local, county and state levels. He was a lifelong learner and natural teacher and mentor to those in his life. He was committed to community service as a leader in Rotary International, the Park Ridge Library Board, The Foundation for Free Enterprise and Community Counseling Service. He was a faithful and active member of the Pascack Reformed Church. In Bob's free time he loved being with his family and friends, camping, hiking, gardening and especially sailing. A love for sailing was a life's passion. It started in his late teens while living on Jamestown Island, RI and Hyannis MA. Later in his life, he established his summer residence in Cotuit, MA and spent his retirement years sailing his beloved boats in the waters of Nantucket Sound including the summer of 2016. Bob is survived by his children Dr. Douglas Balentine, his wife Wendy of Clarksville, MD and Susan O'Brien, Eugene of Monroe, NY; his grandchildren, Dr. Brendan O'Brien and his wife Dr. Karen Torrejon; Mark O'Brien and Kylie and Hao Bei Balentine; and his fiancée Cindy Rose. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, NJ, rsfhi.com., Sunday January 8th 2-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pascack Reformed Church, 65 Pascack Road, Park Ridge NJ, and Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation, PO Box 265, Park Ridge NJ. A memorial service will be held at Pascack Reformed Church at a future date.