Robert Charles Stith

Robert “Bob” Stith died suddenly on May 16, 2023 at home in Arden, Delaware at the age of 82. 

Bob was thoughtful, wise, kind, and had a wonderful sense of humor.  He was known to start squirt gun fights at family gatherings and occasionally eat an ice cream sundae for dinner.  He loved nature and music, inspiring him to compose the opening march for his wedding to Susan.  He also enjoyed tinkering with electronics, an interest that he passed on to his son Matt, now an electrical engineer, and his grandson Ob, who competes in high school robotics competitions.  Bob made his own wine, tapped the maple trees to make syrup, and perfected a homemade granola bar recipe (which he would make in huge batches and give to family and friends).

Bob taught philosophy at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania from 1972 to 2000. He was an amicus of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and graduated from Brunnerdale Seminary in Canton, Ohio; St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana; the University of Dayton; and Duquesne University, where he earned his Ph.D.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred Stith of Akron, Ohio and sisters, Marjorie Brokesh of Cincinnati and Carolyn Stith of Akron. He is survived by Susan, his wife of 55 years; daughter, Jeannie of Ardencroft, Delaware; sons, John (Amy Thomas) of Takoma Park, Maryland and Matthew (Diana Brennan) of Greenville, Rhode Island; brother, Edward (Paulette) of Mundelein, Illinois; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Delaware 19703 at 10am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Rosary at 11am.  Interment will be in the Village of Arden Memorial Garden following mass.  After the interment, please join us for a memorial luncheon and sharing of memories from 1pm – 3pm at the Buzz Ware Village Center, 2119 The Highway, Arden, DE 19810.  Since Bob wanted his funeral to be joyful and full of hope, we invite you to attend wearing bright colors as we celebrate the time we had with him.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities - ccwilm.org - P.O. Box 2030, Wilmington, DE 19899; or a charity of your choice.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.798.7726

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