SOMA Living August 2025

MEET THE HOWLEY FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

Rob and Cassie, a dynamic couple, chose Maplewood as their home two years ago, driven by a passion for community, family, and outdoor activities. When they outgrew their Jersey City residence, they sought a spacious and inviting environment, which led them to Maplewood. Cassie shares, “Two co-workers lived in Maplewood, and they had good things to say about it. We explored a few nearby towns, but we really felt at home here.” Their story began at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Cassie recalls, “I ran late to class, and one seat remained in front of Robert. We started as friends, and then it evolved from there.” Rob adds with a smile, “She’s the only person who calls me ‘Robert’; I don’t even know how that started.” Their family now includes lively daughter Cate, who turns eight in August, and energetic son Ronan, who recently celebrated his first birthday. Cate thrives on softball and proudly plays for the local travel team, the Villagers. Cassie shares, “Cate works hard and practices a lot. She loves to play catcher.” Ronan, although still small, enjoys biking with his dad. Rob says, “I have a bike that carries both kids, and they have a blast with it. It’s awesome, just a lot of giggles.” Two spirited corgis round out their household; sometimes they even get in the bike too! Rob works as a software engineer at SeatGeek, focusing on machine learning and data applications, but his love for biking connects him with the community. He actively participates in Maplewood’s biking scene and advocates for safer biking routes throughout Maplewood and South Orange. “I do all things ‘bike’ around Maplewood and South Orange. While I enjoyed walking everywhere in Jersey City, it’s a bit tougher in SOMA. Everything is a good biking distance.”

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