Robert I. Konick

Robert Ian Konick passed away on January 2, 2023 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He was 50 years old.
Rob is preceded in death by his father, John C. Konick, and his mother Ruth Early Konick.
He is survived by his children, Mandy, Vicky, Sab, Harrison and Beck. Robert was also proud of the family he "collected" over the years including his son in law, Patrick, his daughter in law, Zara, and a dear family friend/adopted son, Mari. He is also survived by an extended "family" of friends and community who loved and supported him until his passing.
Robert was born in Abington, Pennsylvania in 1972. He attended Abington Friends School from kindergarten to graduation in 1990, where he met many of his lifelong friends. After high school, Robert attended Temple University where he studied architecture until 1992. Robert went on to support his father in his architecture firm for several years, after which he opened his own business, British Racing Group.
He took great joy in his business, and created a network of Lotus car, and racing enthusiasts who also became friends. Robert was passionate about the Lotus brand, taking a position at Lotus of Greenwich as a salesman.
Rob had a life changing car accident in 2004. Rob was rear ended by a commercial vehicle at over 50 mph, and was airlifted to the hospital. He was paralyzed for some time, but through his determination and support of family and friends, he survived and did recover, albeit never fully. Rob celebrated this life event with his classic sense of humor with his annual "I'm not dead yet" party. Over the last several years Rob's health began to deteriorate, causing him memory, balance and neurological issues. In 2021, after a series of medical setbacks, Rob was diagnosed with White Matter Disease, a type of leukodystrophy.
Robert had a life long love of animals. He enjoyed the companionship of several pets throughout his life. Maus was the last of his beloved pets. She has been rehomed with friends, who adore her.
Robert did not like to dwell on the bad things in life. He lived life through laughter, and often reminded those around him to stop and smell the roses. As he went through the most difficult times in his life, his family, and then his friends surrounded him with love and care. His children mattered to him more than anyone else on earth. They were the roses in his life. After his accident, Rob proudly proclaimed he was not dead yet, and though that is no longer true, he lives on in all those he loved and who love him. Robert will be greatly missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service, Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 2:00PM to 3:00PM at the Abington Friends School Meetinghouse, 520 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. A celebration of his life and reception will follow. Information of location will be provided at his service. A live stream of the Memorial Service can be viewed in the link below.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Gift of Life Donor Program at donors1.org or United Leukodystrophy Foundation at ulf.org/donate/