Robert M. Walker

Robert M. Walker

Of Ventnor, N.J., died on December 31, 2025 at age 79. Bob was born on Sept. 11, 1946 in Bryn Mawr, Pa., to Martin G. and Virginia M. (Rowley) Walker of Aldan, Pa., where he spent his formative years with them graciously exposing him to their different righteous mores and their sense of what is just and what is just nonsense - which forever served him. Preceding him are his parents and his loved, truly gifted and frequently trying stepdaughter Jennifer M. Cakert at 26, whose passing had a lasting somber impact on him. Surviving him is his greatest life gift, his loving, patient and astounding wife and partner Cynthia {(Folmer Cakert) (Charles, Dec'd.), and his other major life gift in middle age and source of much joy and pride - his stepson Jonathan C. Cakert (Marta), and his grandsons Charles ("Chollie"), and James ("Jamesy") Cakert of Alexandria, Va. Also survived by his amazing sister Virginia F. Miller (James) of West Chester, Pa., and truly beloved niece Robyn Roberts of Chester, Pa., and many cherished first and second cousins and their numerous children. Certainly not to be overlooked is his bonus family "The Cakerts" for which he considered himself extremely blessed and thankful for their friendship and kind acceptance of him in addition to several special friends for whom he was grateful. He is also survived by his tolerant and admirable former wife of 15 years, Doreen A. Walker (John Martin, Dec'd) of Honey Brook, Pa. Bob was known to many as a true gentleman and a relic of a bygone generation. His passion-or perhaps compulsion-for sharing his "knowledge of the world" was rooted simply in a desire to help others and to ensure a sense of preparedness for those he cared for. For many, Bob's lasting impression on this earth will be the life lessons he imparted, the memories he helped create, and the personable energy, humor, and warmth that will never be forgotten. With his death comes this somewhat broad view of his life. Bob graduated from Msgr. Bonner High School in 1964 and was a 2-year member of the cross-country team and a 2-year member of their City Championship golf team playing to an 8-handicap index, having started at age 11. Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Marine Corps (Artillery), having enlisted shortly after his 17th birthday. He embraced the Corps' core ethos and practiced it his entire life. Upon discharge he enrolled at the now Drexel University and over the next 3 years graduated with a BS in Bus. Admin. in 1968, while working part time at the 30th St. Post Office at night. For the next 40 years, Bob experienced a very varied career as a Banker in the Philadelphia and Atlantic City areas. These inherent markedly different business cultures provided him with enlightening perspectives on people and business itself. In his professional interaction with others, he believed that he should demonstrate courage with those above him, fair and honest dialogue with his peers and customers and loyalty to those below him. He was truly grateful that he was able to assist people in fulfilling their goals and provide relief in struggling situations when he thought it reasonable. Often described as an old soul, he genuinely only strived to be decent and maintain his credibility and integrity. Bob strived to be a kind, considerate, unpretentious and compassionate person while also trying to make those around him comfortable in each other's presence. Given his makeup, Bob could also be confounding, challenging, stubborn and frustrating to his loved ones and others. He loved a good joke, even at his own expense, which was often. In 1983, Bob's banking expertise led to his recruitment to help resolve a technically failing bank in Atlantic City, prompting a move to Linwood, New Jersey. At a polo match in 1989, Bob met Cynthia Cakert, and they were married the following year and purchased a home in Ventnor, N.J., and relocated with her then 2 young children. Prior to his move to Atlantic City, Bob formally learned to be a "21" card counter and he utilized this skill for nearly 30 years, in teams initially, but then alone primarily in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, San Juan and Nassau. In addition to playing on riverboats in mid- America and New Orleans, he played in several venues in Western France and the French Riviera over the years to include the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo. These decades of long endeavors also exposed him to fine wines and spirits and led him to obtain wine and spirit education, resulting in earning Sommelier certifications enabling him to more fully appreciate and enjoy them - allowed him to teach wine and brown liquor classes as post-banking career. Bob continued on these journeys until the end of his life. With Cynthia and 3 others, they founded the American Wine Society's So. Jersey Wine Friends chapter in the early '90s. They both treasured their over 30+ year participation in the Dionysian Society, and are appreciative of all the knowledge they learned coupled with the annual gatherings held locally and in several wine regions in the U.S. and in varied European destinations resulting in treasured memories. But nothing exceeded the wonderful people who shared all this with them. Bob also enjoyed his 15-plus year association with the local, men-only First Thursday Wine Group that has faithfully conducted a monthly wine tasting for over the last 40 years. Bob was a Board Member for multiple charity and non-profit organizations with his primary service being to The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. His tenure included several years as the Treasurer, Executive Committee Member and lastly served as Interim President for 9 months. On a more personal level he was an Officer and cofounder of the Jan-Ai Scholarship Fund. This was formed in honor of their late Jennifer to assist students pursue their dreams, in the wide range of the Arts. Over its 10-year existence, 365 students were awarded funding of various amounts to assist in the furthering of their passions. Bob was a proud Marine and relished his Life Membership in the Marine Corps League Detachment #194 and its members and was active in their annual Toys 4 Tots program and the burial detail ensuring their deceased members receive "The Colors" that they earned in life. In addition, Bob also served 2 terms as Paymaster. Bob was a lifelong fan of the Phillies, and more so, the Eagles and attended many games from a young age. This oft frustrating and trying fandom was silver-lined by his many trips to the Vet shared with his young son Jon and his friends, usually paired with a lesson on why it should be spelled "iggles" - a multi-generational lesson further conveyed to his Virginia-native grandsons. His love of wine and spirits allowed him to share a glass or so with many fun and fabulous people - and he requested that a glass, or two, be raised in his memory…Bob is not counting. Consistent with Bob's wishes, there will not be a viewing, nor services. A private service for the interment of his cremains will occur at his family's plot in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa., with a Marine Corps Color Guard in attendance. A Celebration of Life will occur at a later date for close friends and family. Bob humbly requested that any expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Semper Fi Fund (for our wounded and disabled warriors and their families), 825 College Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92057, which would be greatly appreciated. In addition, Bob heartily requests that those who read this please hug your loved ones and tell them of your love and appreciation for them, which Bob was generally not able to do, much to his lifelong dismay and disappointment. To quote Bob directly: "Ah, the curse of being an Irish male----Let this long-practiced trait not continue." Full obituary and condolences may be extended at ghwimberg.com.

George H. Wimberg Funeral Home

Linwood - Ventnor, NJ