'Boundless Passion For Life': Man Killed Skiing Was Aspiring Cop

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — A 22-year-old Florham Park man killed in a ski crash over the weekend was a volunteer firefighter and an aspiring police officer "with a boundless passion for life," an obituary said.

Robert M. Vrablik died after crashing on a Hunter Mountain ski trail, authorities said. Police described his as an expert skier.

"Those who knew Rob, no matter how briefly, have lost a shining light in their lives. Rob embodied endless goodness and capacity to bring happiness to others. He was a kind, charismatic, exuberant, and amazing young man," the family wrote in an obituary.

In addition to his love for skiing, Vrablik played several team sports at Seton Hall Preparatory School: football, track, and rifle. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2018 with a degree in criminology, and was looking forward to a career in law enforcement.

Vrablik was a volunteer firefighter with the Florham Park Fire Department, and held college leadership positions with the university's Trap and Skeet Club and Interfraternity Council with the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

"Robbie was a dedicated and valuable member of the department, actively running calls and participating in weekly meetings and training drills. The FPFD would like to extend our deepest condolences to Robbie’s family and friends, he will be missed by all and leaves a void in both the department and our community," the fire department shared.

"He had boundless passion for life – always up for an adventure, a football game, or to practice shooting at the range," the family wrote.

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Vrablik is survived by his parents, Dr. Robert H. Vrablik and Jean M. (Comiskey) Vrablik; his sister, Dr. Lauren S. Vrablik; his girlfriend, Melanie Buckley; and aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his grandparents.

A visitation will be held on March 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Leonardis Memorial Home (210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park). In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to either Seton Hall Preparatory School (120 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052) or to the Florham Park Volunteer Fire Department (315 Brooklake Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932).