Obituary of Robert Axel Nylund

Robert Axel Nylund, age 25, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2017. He was born in Ridgewood, NJ and lived in Newfoundland, neighboring West Milford and Glen Rock, before settling in Denville, NJ. Robert died after a 9 year physical and psychological struggle called Chronic Depersonalization following an accident that caused an irreversible brain injury.  The injury sadly affected Robert's quality of life and robbed him of his spirit and zest for life, which had been endless prior to his injury.  While he tried to overcome these obstacles, and after numerous conventional medicinal treatments failed, of which there is still no cure, his will to be at peace and to end his suffering was too great.  He died with family by his side. After receiving his Associate's Degree in Business, Robert enjoyed years of professional modeling for various NY, NJ and PA top modeling firms.  The spirit of the West Milford Highlanders basketball team and various AAU and travel leagues remained in his blood beyond his Varsity High School years as Robert continued to play in various adult leagues.  He was a private tutor of basketball skills and drills and he was working towards his IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, Inc.) Referee Certification.   A graduate of the Mix ‘em Up Bartending School led to several years of special event and private party bartending engagements.  As a wine tasting demo representative for several large liquor chains, he was always the family wine connoisseur for family events.   Robert was attending Casino Dealer School so he could continue to enjoy his passion for poker.  As a special event and NYC Underground Poker Club Dealer, he remained connected to his gaming interests.  He enjoyed traveling and fell in love with Alaska and the West Coast and was hoping to return to both one day to re-start his career after some of his recent medical treatments in NJ. Robert was loved by anyone who came in touch with him.  We will remember Robert as a bright, intelligent young man with sparkling quick wit and humor, a kind soul and heart and an infectious smile. The family has connected with the NJ Sharing Network, an organization that saves lives through organ and tissue donation.  As of this writing, Robert’s heart and liver have given the gift of life to 2 donor recipients and we are comforted to know that Robert’s kind heart will continue to beat strong. Robert's devout Catholic faith has helped and guided him throughout the years, in particular his patron Saint Jude.  In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the St. Jude's Children Hospital, ℅ The Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148  in Robert’s name, or, you may make a donation to the NJ Sharing Network (Tribute Notification) 691 Central Ave., New providence, NJ 07974. Robert is survived by the following loving and devoted family members:  his parents Louise Posten Johnston and Robert (Bob) Nylund; sister Kathryn Johnston; step-sister Danika Johnston Makowski; maternal aunts and uncles Robert/Barbara Posten; Stephen/Maryann Posten, Laura Posten/Bill Bridgen; maternal cousins John Luscher; Diana Posten; Scarlett, Beau and Max Bridgen; paternal aunts and uncles Deb/Bob Green; Sue/Rob Senna; paternal cousins Alisa and Nicole Senna.    Robert is predeceased by his loving grandmothers Helen Luscher Posten and Gaetana DiVanno Nylund; loving grandfathers C. Stanley Posten and Robert H. Nylund; best friend and maternal cousin, Nicholas Posten. The viewing for Robert will be held at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, (vpfh.com),  257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ, 07481 on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 from 3-6:30 p.m. with prayer service commencing at 6:30 p.m.   Burial will be private for the family.