Robert Mader Obituary

Hon. Robert W. Mader
Hon. Robert W. Mader, 77, Mayor of Alburtis, died suddenly, October 22, 2012 in his home. He was the husband of Shirley F. (Blank) Mader. They were married October 13, 1973, having just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. Born in Ridgewood, NJ, he was a son of the late Robert W. Sr. and Elizabeth (Grace) Mader. He was a member of Church of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ Church, Alburtis, where he was a past consistory member. He was U.S. Army veteran. He was graduated from Union Springs Central School, Union Springs, NY, in 1953. A fourth generation volunteer fireman, Mr. Mader was a member since 1973 and former Chief of the Alburtis Fire Company. He last served as chief in 2005. He was also a member and currently the Captain of Alburtis Fire Company Fire Police. Bob was serving the third year of his second term as Alburtis Borough Mayor, a position he held since November 28, 2007. He was a member of the Alburtis Borough Council from 1996 until 2007. Robert was active with the Alburtis Recreation Center. Bob was an avid history buff, a voracious reader, student of the Civil War and enjoyed annual visits to Gettysburg. Robert had a love of gardening and could grow anything. Bob was a selfless man giving of his time and talent to serve the people of his community. He touched the lives of many both near and far and will be missed by those he had the honor to serve. Bob was employed as a forklift operator at Brown Printing, East Greenville for over 12 years retiring in 2000. Prior to that, he worked at the former Klein Foundry, Alburtis, in the shipping and receiving department over 15 years. Survivors: Wife; daughters, Bonnie L. (Derr) wife of Michael J. Pengh, Bethlehem, Gale M. (Derr) wife of Wayne W. Schaeffer, Orefield, Carol A. (Derr) wife of Steven R. Hill, Alburtis, Susan J. (Derr) wife of Warren L. Brown, Fleetwood, Elizabeth W. (Mader) wife of George Drelich, Florence, SC, Patricia W. (Mader) wife of Ed Roughgarten, NJ; and a son, Robert W. (Madar) Westervelt, NJ. Other survivors include a sister, Anne (Mader) widow of Oliver B. Zug, Center Valley, PA; and a brother, Louis J. husband of Cheryl Mader, Oakland, NJ. There are also 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins; great-nieces; and great-nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Mark R. Derr, April 14. Services: Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 10 a.m. in Church of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 135 Quarry Road, Alburtis, PA with Reverend Scott M. Sanders officiating. Interment with fire department and military honors, provided by Alburtis Fire Company and Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton, following the service in Lehigh Zion Cemetery, Alburtis. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the Alburtis Volunteer Fire Company, 328 South Main Street, Alburtis. There will be no viewing at the church on Wednesday. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Alburtis Fire Company Truck Crew, P.O. Box 904, Alburtis, PA 18011-0904. The Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Published by Morning Call on Oct. 24, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Mader

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One of the best Fire Fighters I ever worked with so happy to have had Bob as a friend

Jim Haines

October 18, 2023

Aunt Shirley & family,What a terrible year it's been for you guys.
Please know that if you need anything ,you can call us,we're right
Down the street.Bob was such a great man,we're all going to miss
His kind heart.

Jim & Cindy Romig

November 18, 2012

Shirley,
I am so very sorry for your loss.

Cindi

November 6, 2012

Dear Shirly: My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow and loss. the entire Borough has lost a good friend and guardian which will be hard to replace as Bob was the best, and he will be deeply missed by all. may he R.I.P. God speed. Fred Smith

October 26, 2012

Dear Shirley & Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Kermit said he talked to Bob the other week when he brought the tractor to add to our display. Always a kind word. And he sure enjoyed talking to the guys about my Silver King tractor. Thanks so much for sharing him with us all. He touched our lives a lot over the 30 yrs I have lived here.

Carol & Kermit Derr

October 26, 2012

October 25, 2012

October 25, 2012

The Mader Family,
I got to know Bob many years ago when he worked at the foundry. I was a truck driver and Bob was always willing and able to go the extra mile to help all the truckers make their job a little easier. He always had a story to tell about farm tractors and fire equipment. He took so much pride in everything he was involved in. He will be greatly missed by all he touched. The last words he spoke to me were "Well we tried".Rest in Peace good friend, till we meet again.

Ed Snyder

October 25, 2012

Mrs. Mader and family: My husband and I had the privilege of working with Bob at Kline Foundry and continuing our friendship after it closed. Bob took the role as "fill-in father" to me at Kline when my own parents moved 120 miles away. He also helped my husband get his work at Browning Printing 22yrs ago. Since hearing of his passing, I have thought about time spent with Bob and I have been sad and have laughed. I will never forget yelling at him when I caught him eating candy bars at work and the look on his face at being caught. Thank you for sharing Bob with us. God bless your family at this sad time.
Keith & Sally Hosfeld

October 25, 2012

Dear Shirley, So sorry to see this may he rest in peace. He was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies to you and the family. Your friend from CVS in Macungie and Walmart.

Carol Gillette

October 25, 2012

October 25, 2012

October 25, 2012

Bob was very special he and I fought most all day fires in Alburtis and Trexlrtown.He gave his all in everthing he did.A well respected Man, Husband, Father Fireman And Mayor. My thoughts and prayrs go to the family fire co and the Bourgh of Alburtis. Rest in Peace my friend.

October 25, 2012

Dear Sue,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as you struggle through the grief and sadness. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kay and Skip

October 25, 2012

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

David Meitzler Sr

October 25, 2012

Robin an Dean Lobach jr

October 24, 2012

Shirley and family,

Bob was a good and decent man who really cared about our town and its people. Jeanne and I will miss him very much,as will the whole town.

Tom and Jeanne Christman

Tom Christman

October 24, 2012

My condolences to the family I am so so sorry for your lost words alone cant not express how much Robert was loved.May God comfort you in your hour of darkness.My thoughts and prayers are with the family

Patti,Casey,Kevin Arnold

Patti Arnold

October 24, 2012

Bob had a very fruitful life, mentoring,guiding and sincere concern for all. From a farm boy to the Fire Dept , and Mayor he lived his dream. My classmate and good friend for over 60 yrs, RIP

Mike Bixby

October 24, 2012

Dear Mrs. Mader, I met your husband at the Lehigh VAlley Chambers annual Mayors dinner and when he said to me.. "let me tell you about my town Alburtis".. you could tell he was a dedicated public servant and loved that town..."his town- Alburtis"...I am sorry that he has past but his dedication and love for his town will survive time... as we pass thru life is so short really but your husband made a mark and an impression on anyone- including me that came accross his path... Bob Cartwright, President of the Portland Borough Council

October 24, 2012

Mrs. Mader.
I'm sorry for the loss of Bob. He was a nice guy. We worked hard together Fighting Fires, going out to car accident calls at the odd hrs of the night. If there's anything I can do.
Please let me know. Mark C. Shenberger

Mark Shenberger

October 24, 2012

October 24, 2012

The Borough of Alburtis lost a great friend. Bob was Mr Alburtis and will be missed by so many. He truly was a hero. Thank you Bob for all the years you dedicated to Alburtis. To the family friends and Fire Department, please know that so many are thinking of you in this time of sadness. I will always have nothing but great memories of Bob. From his wave when he drove past the house, to seeing him selling Waffles and Ice Cream.. Rest Easy Bob. Your work on earth is done.

Thomas Moss

October 24, 2012

Our deepest condolences. Bob will be deeply missed.God now has another angel amongst him.

Timmy Sell

October 24, 2012

Shirley and family, our deepest condolences. Bob, rest peacefully knowing what a great impact you had on all you knew in life.

Jim & Judy Avalon

October 24, 2012

To Bobs Family,
I will certainly miss my daily waves from Bob as I drive past the house. He was a good man and will be missed my so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Love,
Chris,Dana,Kylee,and Chayce Perna

October 24, 2012

Dean and Barb Lotte

October 24, 2012

My deepest condolences to Aunt Shirley and her family. Bob was a good man who always made me feel welcome when I came to visit.

Kathy Nase

October 24, 2012

Shirley and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of bob he will surely be missed in alburtis and by all who knew him . again our thought and prayers are with you. lenny and christal witman

christal witman

October 24, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Rich N Crystal Scott

October 24, 2012

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