Robert M. "Bob" Voytas

Robert "Bob" M. Voytas, 85, of Allentown, PA, passed away on January 31.

Born in Johnstown, PA, Bob was the son of Andrew and Mary Voytas (née Vavrek) and youngest of 12 children. From an early age, Bob valued his relationships with his family above all else and regularly shared memories of hunting and fishing with his brothers and playing with his nieces and nephews. At age 16, it is said that Bob became the youngest licensed barber in the state of Pennsylvania at the time, and he continued giving haircuts to his sons for many decades.

Bob attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned a PhD in Psychology from the University of Maryland. He went on to be a professor of psychology at Temple University and the University of Maryland Global Campus, where he and his wife Karen took advantage of the opportunity to explore and travel. He treasured this time and continued traveling throughout his life.

Bob and Karen eventually settled in Kutztown, PA, where they raised four children. Bob enjoyed tending to his vegetable gardens and birdhouses, earning himself the nickname "Bluebird Bob". He was a professor of psychology at Kutztown University for more than 30 years and chaired the department from 1989-1992.

Bob will be remembered for his commitment to and pride in his family. He spent countless hours hunting and fishing with Luke, playing catch with Evan and Elsa, and singing the songs from Gabe's musicals. After his retirement, he enthusiastically embraced his role as Voytas family archivist, digitizing photos and videos, creating an elaborate family tree, and making sure his family understood that "you are not alone." In the last chapter of his life, Bob became a grandfather and loved showing off his granddaughter to other residents and staff at Heather Glen, where he lived in memory care.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Karen, and siblings Vince, Sis (Veronica), Andy, Bill, Frank, Joe, Mary, Carol, and Evelyn.

He is survived by his children: Gabriel, Evan (Los Angeles), Lucas (Kempton), Elsa and son-in-law Miguel (Brooklyn); and his granddaughter Nell, as well as a large extended family who will miss him deeply.

Gathering: Family and friends are invited to a memorial service in celebration of Bob's life on Sunday, February 15 at 3pm in the Georgian Room, Old Main, Kutztown University.

Because Bob was a lifelong admirer of Pennsylvania's birds and natural lands, instead of flowers, the family suggests sending a memorial contribution to the Audubon Pennsylvania (https://act.audubon.org/a/donate-pennsylvania) or the Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania (https://preserve.nature.org/page/80910/donate, and direct your gift to Pennsylvania).