Robert D Rule

Robert (Bob) D. Rule, Jr., 76, of Horsham, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025.
Born in Abington, Bob was the loving husband of Dorothea T. (Funk) Rule for 52 years.
A Montgomery County resident for his entire life, Bob lived in Hatboro until the summer of 1960 when his family moved to Jenkintown. After living in Willow Grove for a short time, Bob and Dorothea lived in Ambler and finally resided in Horsham for his final 38 years.
Bob was a proud graduate of Jenkintown High School in 1967, where he met many friends who were a special part of his life for over 50 years. He enrolled at Penn State Altoona, and after a semester, left to join the Army where he served during the Vietnam Era and proudly thereafter in the Army Reserves until 1975.
Bob spent his career at McNeil Pharmaceuticals in Fort Washington, working for over 30 years prior to retiring. He loved his work as a technician, running the machines that printed and coated medicine prior to packaging. He was a good teacher, often being asked to train new employees.
Although passionate about his work, this paled in comparison to his love of model railroading. This hobby was part of his life from childhood, passed down by his father. Bob's model railroad was a sight to behold. He loved sharing his layout and knowledge with friends and neighbors, hosting regular open houses as a member of the TNRR, Tuesday Night Round Robin group. These men as well as friends he met while working at Lin's Junction, a local train shop, held a special place in Bob's heart.
Bob was a caring and loving father to his two children, Darryl Rule and his wife Jessica and Kelly Zagwoski and her husband Matthew. He was supportive, quick with a joke, and always willing to share his faith and provide advice.
In addition to his wife and children, Bob is survived by his seven grandchildren whom he adored: Kennith Nemeth (Cassidy), Elliot Wilson (Audrey), Jack Zagwoski, Jillian Rule, James Zagwoski, Wesley Rule, and Russell Rule, as well as one great-grandchild, Maryrose Nemeth. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Laino, his cousin Ellen Brennan, and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Bob's family will receive visitors from 10 to11am Saturday, August 9th at Grace Mennonite Church, 630 York Avenue, Lansdale, PA., where his funeral service will be held at 11am. Interment will follow at Whitemarsh Cemetery. All family and friends are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to support Bob's favorite railroad, The East Broad Top:
EBT Foundation, Inc., 421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249
*Please indicate that your donation is to support the refurbishment of Engine 15