Robert Bigley

Robert Bigley obituary, Somers Point, NJ

Robert Bigley

Robert Bigley Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 22, 2025.
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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Robert Bigley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 11, 2025

Kathy Hendricks posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2025

Sisters of IHM posted to the memorial.

April 30, 2025

Al Capper posted to the memorial.

Kathy Hendricks

June 11, 2025

We're so sad to hear this news. Bob was a wonderful guy! Bob & JoAnn hosted our wedding reception at their home back in 1992 and they couldn't have been more generous! All of our friends & family had a wonderful time. JoAnn, you are in our thoughts.

Kathy & Fred Hendricks

Sisters of IHM

May 5, 2025

The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary wish to thank the family of Robert J. Bigley for designating memorial gifts to our Congregation (Camilla Hall). We promise our prayers for Bob and his family. May he enjoy the rewards of eternal life that he so richly deserves.

Al Capper

April 30, 2025

Deeply saddened by this I hadn´t talked to Bob in 50 years, but I was fortunate enough to get hold of him about six months ago and we had some long chats. Awesome dude my deepest condolences to the family.

Colleen Kramer

April 27, 2025

Bob had the most amazing, magical way of making everyone feel at ease and welcome. I always had the sense that he was genuinely interested in whatever I was saying. Even if he disagreed, he was charming about it. His sense of humor would defuse any awkward situation. I will miss him dearly.

Ed Schwartz '74

April 25, 2025

Rest well my friend, a life well lived.

Moriad

April 23, 2025

We used to cal Bob my work husband. We took many trips to QVC on our lunch hour. We also travelled on the road together as product specialists. I miss you Bob. Your long time friend Moriad.

Kathy Hamilton

April 23, 2025

JoAnn,

Steve and I are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We send along our deepest condolences to you and the Bigley family. We will keep you in our prayers.

Steve and Kathy Hamilton

Joseph T Hobson

April 23, 2025

One of the successful kids in my class, Bob Bigley's passing has left me stunned. Bob graced our Malvern Prep 50th reunion on April 27, 2024. Of course, Bob had so massively successful a career, he could afford to retire. He got in on the ground floor of Shared Medical before the advent of the digital age.

Mary-jo

April 23, 2025

Bob was my first manager at SMS. I remember that Payroll did not cut my first check on time. And being a broke recent graduate, I was hoping to get that check. Bob went down to Payroll and came back with my paycheck. He was such a caring wonderful person. My deepest condolences to JoAnn and the rest of the family.

JEAN

April 23, 2025

We will all miss you, Robb, and remember you for your caring, fun-filled ways.

Vickie Goldstein

April 23, 2025

Bob your smile and love of life will be missed...you had a great love of being with friends and sharing stories..and of course eating great food...I will never look at a "spare rib" quite the same way - because U "made the best" (ever)..good food, friends and being together...your spot at "the table" will greatly be missed...peace!!

Marie Haldeman Tartaglio

April 23, 2025

Rob was the brother I never had. It was just us, my sister Maureen & me, so we grew up close to our cousins-they were like siblings to us. There was so much sharing, love, joy, and fun. Those early childhood years firmly cemented our relationships and ultimately provided the companionship and comfort so important later in our adult lives. At the center of it all-the planner, the instigator, the glue-was Rob. He was usually the first to reach out, to schedule get-togethers, to plan parties. He never let too much time pass between communications before he simply picked up the phone to check in on our wellbeing. One of the first calls in any crisis situation was always Rob, asking how he could help. I never felt alone because I knew Rob was there waiting in the wings, ready to console and support his family and friends. A dynamic and special individual has left us far too soon. I will truly miss him. Oh, but is my life so much richer for having had seven decades of Rob Bigley walk parts of the path with me.

Susan Tucket

April 23, 2025

I´m so very sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family. Bob was always so cheerful and fun. It was a privilege to know him.

Donna Akerson

April 23, 2025

Bob was a great friend and sweet, fun guy, always giving to others. When I stayed with Bob and Joann, leaving in the morning, I came out to find that Bob had removed all the snow and ice from my car before he left for work. He was full of joy and fun. Remember laughing as we got frozen daiquiris at a drive through window in New Orleans and long hours on the pergola talking, laughing and connecting on so many levels. He will be missed a lot. Love you Bob and Joann!! Donna Akerson

Mair Palamara

April 22, 2025

So sorry JoAnn.
The few times I met Bob, I remember him being really nice.
Hugs.

Linda Souser

April 22, 2025

So sorry JoAnn. Bob was a great guy and will be very missed.

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Sign Robert Bigley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 11, 2025

Kathy Hendricks posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2025

Sisters of IHM posted to the memorial.

April 30, 2025

Al Capper posted to the memorial.