Robert Bigley

Robert (Bob/Rob) Joseph Bigley, beloved husband of JoAnn Babcock Bigley for 36 years, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Bob genuinely cared about people and was interested in hearing their stories. If you were his friend, it was for life.

Bob and his twin sister, Mary, were born in Philadelphia, PA, on December 26, 1956, the last kids completing the family of Mary and James Bigley. The family settled in Malvern on land belonging to Mary's family. Morstein Road hosted a number of Donahue, Bigley, and Mayo homes.

Bob and his cherished cousins - Haldemans, Connors, Bigleys, Donahues - played in the fields, vegetable gardens, chicken coops, and barns. Hand-churned ice cream on the 4th of July, breakfast at "the Cow" after Mass, the big trip to Disneyland, and annual trips to Ocean City, NJ, supplied a lifetime of stories among the cousins that could trigger a fit of laughter leading to tears.

From an early age, Bob had a passion for cars. He eagerly awaited the day his dad took him to Malvern's Ford dealer to see the new cars. He studied the advertisements end to end for days. When the new models were delivered, Bob knew as much, if not more, than the salespeople. And he wasn't afraid to share it and share it and share it.

Bob attended Malvern Prep High School. His twin sister attended Villa Maria Academy. The schools were separated by a few miles. Because Bob had a sister, he was one of the few Malvern boys allowed to drive onto Villa's campus to pick up his sister. It was win-win for Bob: cars and girls. Bob really loved girls and women. Maybe because his first love was Mary, he had an innate appreciation of, and respect for women.

He met his future wife, JoAnn, when they both appeared in Villa Maria High School's production of "No, No Nannette," and he escorted her to her Soph Hop. He worked his way through college, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Villanova University. Bob and JoAnn reconnected eight years later when he hired her as a Technical Writer at SMS (Shared Medical Systems) in Malvern, PA.

Bob had a successful 30+ year career at SMS/Siemens Healthcare/Cerner with roles as a Customer Support Representative, Implementation Director, Documentation Manager, Education Specialist, Field Product Specialist, and Account Manager. He retired early to spend more time with JoAnn who struggled with health issues. Bob was well liked by his colleagues, many commenting on his kind heart, ready smile, friendly demeanor, and cooperative attitude.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, JoAnn Babcock Bigley, his brother, James Bigley (Donna), and sisters, Charlotte Bigley and Regina Esposito (Ralph). He was predeceased by his twin sister Mary Mayo (Joe), his mother and father. Bob was a devoted uncle and great uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was also beloved by his many cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Bob's large family and many friends will comment on his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved to laugh and bring laughter to those around him. He was a consummate storyteller and loved to entertain. JoAnn and he threw renowned parties and hosted many holiday dinners. Bob was happiest with a house full of family and friends.

Bob loved to sing and had a beautiful tenor voice. Aside from high school musicals, Bob sang with the Villanova Singers, was in his church choir, sang at numerous weddings, and was a cantor at Phillip and James Church in Exton for years. He loved musical theater and was a subscriber to the Walnut Street Theater while living in the Philadelphia area.

Bob and JoAnn loved to travel together, beginning with their honeymoon in Ireland where they visited Bob's family homestead. They loved to visit Aruba every year and toured the US from Hawaii to Maine.

The outpouring of condolences from family, friends, and acquaintances is a testament to the impact that Bob had on so many during his time on earth. We now have an angel watching over us in heaven.

A Memorial Service will be held to honor Bob in the fall at St. Phillip and James Church in Exton. Donations can be made in his memory to Villa Maria House of Studies, Immaculata, PA.