'Much beloved' Glen Ridge police officer dies of coronavirus complications

Members of the Glen Ridge community are mourning the loss of Officer Charles "Rob" Roberts who died Monday after his heart stopped from coronavirus complications on April 21. He was 45.

Roberts was rushed to Mountainside Medical Center last month after being resuscitated in his home by his fellow officers and members of the volunteer ambulance squad. He had been in the hospital's intensive care unit in critical condition. 

Story continues below gallery

Glen Ridge Mayor Stuart Patrick said Roberts was an ambassador not only for the police department but the town and always had a smile on his face.

"Rob was much beloved by everybody who knew him, especially the children here in the community," Patrick said.

On Facebook, the Glen Ridge Police Department posted, "Rob contracted COVID 19 in the line of duty in April 2020. Rob served the police department and the residents of Glen Ridge with distinction and honor, he lived a beautiful life and had a positive impact on everyone he touched. Words cannot express how sad we are, please continue to pray for him, his family, friends colleagues."

After Roberts was admitted to the hospital, the local community showed an outpouring of support for him, his family and the police department by posting signs and blue hearts in windows, on doors and on trees. 

Lt. Tim Faranda previously said Roberts was extremely community-oriented and an "all-around good guy."

Coronavirus in NJ:Two veteran Newark police officers die from coronavirus less than two weeks apart

Loved and Lost:Nurse MaryBeth Papetti spent her life caring for others

A Livingston native, Roberts joined the Glen Ridge Police Department in 2000. He lived in Glen Ridge with his wife Alice, and together they raised three children.

Over the years Roberts has been featured in the Glen Ridge Voice newspaper, a USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey publication, for reading to children, participating in a mock car crash to educate students, organizing fundraisers, and for being part of No Shave November to raise awareness for men's health issues.

"Officer Roberts was the face of the Glen Ridge Police Department and a shining example of an officer dedicated to serving the community," the department posted.

Bloomfield police shared their condolences to the neighboring department.

"We are saddened to hear that Police Officer Charles “Rob” Roberts has lost his long and valiant battle against COVID-19," Bloomfield police tweeted. "Please keep Rob, his family and the Glen Ridge PD in your thoughts and prayers."

The New Jersey State PBA posted: "And another hero is lost today. ... Please keep Rob, his family and the Glen Ridge Police in your thoughts and prayers."

Patrick said this was the first time in the township's 125-year history that an officer died in service and that plans are in the works to honor him. He did not know exactly what would be done and said something may be determined later in the week.

Roberts is the 12th police officer in New Jersey to die from coronavirus complications. A Newark officer, the 10th, died Sunday.

Kaitlyn Kanzler covers Essex County for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kanzler@northjersey.com Twitter: @KaitlynKanzler8