E. Robert "Bob" Kishbaugh, 94, of Bethlehem, formerly of Jim Thorpe (and currently Northampton), passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at LVHN Hospice. He was born on March 21, 1923 in Lehighton, the son of the late Bertha (Mantz) and Robert S. Kishbaugh. He was the loving and devoted husband of Alverda (Meckes) Kishbaugh. Bob (also fondly known as "Kishie") was a proud American who served his country as a radio operator in the U.S. Army during W.W.II, serving in the 2nd Infantry Division. He was honored to be in possession of the original Morse Code message he received from the government stating that the war had ended, and was still happy to "tap out" anyone's name in Morse Code! After the war Bob graduated from Muhlenberg College and went on to earn his Masters Degree from Lehigh University. Many people are not aware that he spent the early years of his marriage working as a buyer of women's clothing for H. Leh & Co. Department Store, traveling often to N.Y.C. to purchase the season's latest fashions for the store. His wife enjoyed that, because her closet was always filled with the current style clothing! He began his 30-year career as a Special Education teacher at Nitschmann Jr. High School in the Bethlehem Area School District and later at Liberty High School, where he initiated a work/study program for his beloved students. There he procured jobs in the community for each student, who then attended school for part of the day and went to their respective jobs for the duration of the day. In the winters he supervised an ice skating rink at L.G. Stewart Playground and for 20 years in the summers he Directed a camp for children with special needs from the Scranton School District. Kishie enjoyed playing baseball and basketball and is a member of the Jim Thorpe High School Hall of Fame. Besides having passion for his family and students, Bob had a passion for music. He enjoyed gospel music, singing with his choir at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (where his wife was the Choir Director), and his wife and daughters have fond memories of harmonizing as a family whenever they got in the car! Bob especially enjoyed singing acapella "barbershop" music in quartets and choruses with "The Lehigh Valley Harmonizers" and "Brothers in Harmony" from the SPEBSQSA organization. He spent many years with them traveling, competing, and entertaining audiences. Above all, Bob loved being with his family, where he always was the center of attention because of his warm, fun, loving personality. His grandchildren will always remember how PopPop would begin laughing for no reason, until the entire room was in hysterics, laughing and loving together, creating joy for everyone in his presence. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of over 70 years, Alverda Kishbaugh; daughters, Linda Vetter (Charlie) and Jackie Fenicle (Steve); grandchildren, Ryan Vetter, Joshua Vetter (Bethany), Adam Fenicle and Aubrie Fenicle; 4 great-grandchildren, Addison, Gianna, Melina, and Kyler; and one brother, Richard D. Kishbaugh (Dottie) of Ambler. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. with a life tribute to begin at 8 P.M at Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2700 Jacksonville Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18017 with a Calling Hour preceding at 10:00 A.M. Internment will be held at Bethlehem Memorial Park following the church service. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's memory to Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church on Jacksonville Rd. Bethlehem or LVHN Hospice on 17th and Chew Streets Allentown. Condolences may be made online at www.connellfuneral.com
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Dear Alverda and Family,
We bless everyone in your very sad moments.
All of us remember our many conversations with pleasure and humor. Thanks Bob!
God's Blessings Forever
Bob and Carolyn Buzzard
March 22, 2018
We express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Bob and grieve with all the family. Bernie fondly remembers the summers spent with Bob and the staff of the summer children's camp. Bernie was the camp nurse. Ron remembers the great times we had as barbershop chorus members. We will miss him but we know he is now in a better place.
Bernice and Ron Gross
March 14, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to your family
Tommy Ritter
March 14, 2018
a loved one
March 14, 2018
Aunt Ally, Linda, Jackie and Family: We are so heartbroken to hear of Uncle Bob's passing. We were hoping we could be with you today but unfortunately, we are snowed-in in Upstate NY. We have you in our thoughts and prayers always. May you keep a smile on your face and heart with your beautiful memories of Uncle Bob. We love you, Scott, Tammy, Nate and Alex
Tammy Kishbaugh
Family
March 14, 2018
I am sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was a good man, who I got to know as Coach Fritz's assistant baseball coach in the '60's.
Prayers for his wife and family.
Nat "JR" Gencarelli
March 13, 2018
Sorry for your loss, Alverda
Joe and Ginny Doria
March 12, 2018
Mrs. Kishbaugh - I read your husband's obituary, because his name sounded familiar. He must have worked with my late father, George Svaby, at H. Leh and Company. Then we also have something else in common - I owned a Bed and Breakfast in Jim Thorpe, from 1998 until 2004 - The Parsonage. It is truly a small world!
May your memories console you - I am sorry that we never met -
Sincerely,
Allie Svaby Harpster
Canton, Ohio
March 12, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. When I began my teaching career as a special education teacher at Liberty High School, Bob was the unofficial chair of our department. He worked many hours helping his students, who loved him, to gain employable skills and to find jobs. He will be remembered as he was a very special person.
Cindy Wesner
March 12, 2018
To a very special person
Carl and Sue Pferrer
March 12, 2018
Alverda, Linda, Charlie, Jackie, Steve, Ryan, Josh, Adam & Aubrie: Paul and I are so sorry for your loss. Bob was an AMAZING man who touched everyone he met. His smile warmed the heart of his friends and family - and his entrance into heaven has left a hole here on earth. You are all in our fervent prayers. xo
Marlene and Paul Brauchle
March 12, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss May God Bless you and your Family.
Sue and Carl Pferrer
Sue Pferrer
March 12, 2018
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