Robert Malcolm Shull, 74, went to be with the Lord on July 27, 2025, at the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro, after a courageous journey with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.
Born in Roslyn, New York, Robert was the son of the late Gilbert Malcolm Shull and Karen (Lunde) Shull. He spent his early years in Old Lyme, Connecticut, later moving to Bernardsville, New Jersey, and settling in Princeton in 1990 — a place he came to call home.
Robert is survived by his sister, Dr. Susan Shull of Burlington, Vermont; his brother, Thomas Shull, and sister-in-law Lorraine Shull of Arundel, U.K. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Cynthia Dalton (McHenry) Shull; his daughters, Kristen Shull (Alex Melville) and Karen Shull; and his treasured granddaughter, Gwendolyn Melville. He is also lovingly remembered by his stepchildren, Tim Dalton (Angela Grenier) and Alison Mason (Thomas Mason), and his step-grandchildren: Lily Mason, McHenry Mason, Halsten Mason, Madison Dalton, Alexis Dalton, Timothy Dalton, Natalie Grenier, and a caring aide Isaac Otabil.
Robert attended Morristown Prep (now Morristown-Beard School), where he was a proud champion wrestler. He studied at Indiana University before launching a successful career in advertising on Madison Avenue, where he formed many lasting friendships. He was previously married to Emily Swartzentruber, mother of his daughters Karen and Kristen.
Later in life, Robert followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened a record store, blending his love of music with his gift for connecting with people. A lifelong musician, he played bass guitar in several bands and sang bass in the
St. Matthews Church Choir. His music brought joy and rhythm to every room he entered.
Robert met Cynthia at a church support group, and their bond blossomed into a loving partnership rooted in faith, family, and shared adventures. He retired in 2015 from Munich Re-Insurance in Plainsboro, where he worked in Information Technology.
Robert will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and compassion. He was quick with a joke, loved cooking for family and friends, and found peace at his shore house — listening to music, enjoying the ocean breeze, and spending time with his loyal dog, William. For over two decades, he was a devoted member of a Bible Study Group, and his greatest legacy remains the love he gave and the memories he created with those closest to him.
An active and dedicated member of the Princeton community, Robert volunteered with Friends of Princeton Open Space, sang in the St. Matthews Episcopal Choir, and was a member of The Nassau Club. He served as Treasurer of the High Barbaree Association (Harvey Cedars, NJ), was a member of the Barnegat Light Yacht Club, enjoyed games with The Poker Gang, and shared his musical talents with the Hazbins Band.
A private graveside service was held at Princeton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to support the Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Center. Checks can be sent to: Attn. FTD Center, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104, made payable to: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Please include “In Memory of Robert Shull.”