Robert Gordon Greenawalt

GREENAWALT, ROBERT GORDON
passed away at Central Vermont Medical Center on December 8, 2016 as the result of complications following a fall the previous Sunday.
He was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 19, 1925 and grew up in Upper Darby graduating from Upper Darby High School in 1943. Following graduation he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corp. Under the GI Bill at the end of WWII, Bob enrolled in Swarthmore College and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He also studied Electronics at Fairleigh Dickinson University several years later.
Bob's first job was as an engineer with Fairbanks Morse in Beloit, WI. There he met his future wife, Barbara Byse. After their marriage in 1951, he was employed as a project engineer with Cummins Engine Co. in Columbus, Indiana where his only child, Ann, was born. He worked for Curtiss-Wright Corp from 1955 – 1958 during which time he lived in Ridgewood, NJ. Following that he settled with his family in Barrington, RI where he remained for 55 years. He worked first as a supervising engineer for Fram Corp for 6 years and then for the rest of his professional career as an engineer in several capacities with Sealol, Inc (an EG&G Company). Bob and Barbara moved to Westview Meadows, Montpelier, VT in 2013 to be close to their daughter and family.
Bob's avocation was music throughout his life. He played the trumpet through young adulthood later switching to the French horn. He played in many musical organizations in RI including the Brown University and RI College Orchestras. He performed in and was involved in the founding of the Barrington College/Community Orchestra, the RI Wind Ensemble and the Ocean State Brass Quintet. He served as president of the Friends of the RI Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for several years. Recently Bob enjoyed many hours listening to classical orchestra concerts on the internet. The day before the fall he had taken his horn out to play for the first time in many months.
In addition to musical activities, Bob had been a member of the Toastmasters International and enjoyed sailing and flying. He returned to aviation in his late 40's quickly earning a commercial license followed by certifications for instrument rating and flight instruction. He developed many friendships through shared experiences with his flying buddies in RI.
Above all Bob was the quintessential problem solver. He could fix almost anything and he derived great pleasure from helping his friends and neighbors by solving a myriad of engineering challenges ranging from car, boat and airplane to household repairs. For this he will be remembered for the generosity of his aid.
He is predeceased by his parents Hannah Edwards and Harry Besore Greenawalt and his wife Barbara. He is survived by his daughter Ann Greenawalt, son-in-law David Ellis; and his two grandchildren Emily Ellis and Miles Ellis.
There will be no public funeral or memorial service. A celebration of lives of Bob and Barbara will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the organization of your choice.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley. The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements.