The Trentonian, Robert E. Alston Robert E. Alston, 60 of Lawrenceville, departed this life on November 12, 2013 at Moss Rehabilitation Center at Einstein, Elkins Park, PA. Born in Henderson, NC, he was a longtime area resident, living in Trenton for close to 20 years before moving to Lawrenceville, N.J. Robert graduated from J.P. Stevens High School in Edison, NJ and earned his Bachelor of Science degree at The College of New Jersey (Trenton State College). He also graduated from the Tri-State Institute for Training and Development which was sponsored by the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. He received a New Jersey Teacher of the Handicapped certificate for grades K-12. Robert worked as a financial aid officer at TCNJ for 34 years. He was proud of achieving the position of associate director of financial aid. Robert was an active member of the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Robert's community involvement included serving as president of the West End Little League and on Trenton Mayor Palmer's Youth Services Commission, the Board of Isles, Inc. the Jamesburg Board of Trustees and the Community Planning and Initiatives Committee for the United Way of Mercer County. Robert also served as a Lawrence Township emergency first responder. Robert was recognized numerous times for outstanding achievement. Among his awards are the following: Raritan Valley Community College- Cultural Diversity Award; The College of New Jersey (Trenton State College)- Mentor of the Year Award; Private Milton L. Olive Organization - Life Award; College Union Board - Outstanding Minority Staff; New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association- Alumni of the Year Award; West End Little League - Service and Outstanding Man in America Award; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - Outstanding Educator Award; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Iota Gamma Chapter - Community Award; Union Industrial Home Fatherhood Program/2013 Annual Legacy of Fatherhood Platinum Dads Award and Aspira-ETS Collaboration Award. He was a mentor and a workshop facilitator for the Shiloh Baptist Church Community Development Corporation and for 23 plus years presented yearly on financial aid at the Young Scholars' Institute's College Admission, Financial Aid and Career Planning Workshops. Son of the late James Early Alston and Betty Mae Alston, and brother of the late Kelvin and Ronnie Alston; Robert is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gloria Purnell Alston; a son, Robert II, and two daughters, Shana and Megan; three grandchildren, Sydney Violet, Gabrielle Lynn and Shaun Balkcom; a son-in-law, Vashean Balkcom; a sister, Darlene Lyons (Michael); a brother, Angelo Wayne Alston (Regina), both of Edison, NJ; two brothers-in-law, Stefan Purnell of Trenton and Earl Purnell of Flushing, N.Y. and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends.
