Robert Kasper

Robert C. Kasper, 77, of Blakeslee, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Gesinger Wyomimg Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born Aug. 24, 1947, in Kingston, a son of the late Colonel Carl J. and Mary McDonnell Kasper, Bob was a lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania.

A graduate of Coughlin High School, Bob earned his bachelor's degree from King's College and his master's degree from Temple University.

Bob enjoyed working for the Wilkes-Barre Park and Recreation Board in his early years, ultimately managing all four city swimming pools. Following college, he was a high school teacher and aquatic director for the Schuylkill Haven School District. In 1973, he accepted a position through the PA Department of Community Affairs and the City of Hazleton as the city's first Park and Recreation Director. Then it was off to the Pocono Mountains to serve as the manager of Locust Lake Village in Pocono Lake, followed by serving as the manager of Buck Hill Falls resort community. Bob ended his community management career as the Panther Valley Country Club manager in Allamuchy, N.J. Returning to the Poconos, he took a position as a rookie salesman for Lake Naomi Real Estate. Bob continued to serve the Lake Naomi community as owner/broker at MountainLife Real Estate. His 40-plus-year career ended as Broker of Record and Sales Manager at Lake Naomi Real Estate at his passing.

Bob proudly served his community philanthropically throughout his adult life. He was nominated to Who's Who of Young Men of PA by the Department of Community Affairs in 1973, Past President of The Top-O-Pocono Rotary Club, Founding Father and past president of the Pocono Chapter of the Community Association Institute, Pocono Raceway Ambassador, secretary-treasurer of the Monroe County Park and Recreation Board, Vice Chairman of the Tobyhanna Township Board of Supervisors, and Clymer Library Board of Directors. In his later years, Bob founded and was master organizer of the Pocono Senior Sports and Recreation Group, which sponsored many local events, including, but not limited to, the Annual Pocono Polar Bear Plunge, the Viagara Falls Senior Softball Program, the Cialis Cowboys Senior Football League, the Bucktail Hunting Club and the Senior AH Golf League and his annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl.

In his spare time, Bob was a Master Gardener and enjoyed cooking. He was an active outdoorsman and a past member of the Dream Mile Fishing and Hunting Club. Lastly, he was a member of the Lake Naomi Club since 1977.

Bob's sister, Marybeth; in-laws, Vince and Lucille Tormay, Mark and Marsha Tormay, Tommy Rostocki; and niece, Emily Rostocki, preceded him in death.

His wife of 49 years, the former Denise Tormay; children, Jennifer and her husband, Patrick Ednie, of Pocono Pines, Christine Bond and her partner, Paul Scarr, of Missoula, Mont., and Rob Kasper, of Three Bridges, N.J.; the joys of his life, his four granddaughters, Gwen, Sloane, and Scarlett Ednie and Penelope (Penny) Scarr, will miss him very much.

Bob is also survived by his brothers, Jim and his wife, Laura Kasper, of St. Peters, Mo.; Bill and his wife, Karen Kasper, of Lancaster, S.C.; and John and his wife, Andrea Kasper, of Havertown; in-laws, Peggy and Jack Slapcinsky, of Daniel Island, S.C.; Lucille Donlin, of Dayton, Ohio; MaryJo Rostocki, of Hazleton; nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

A Final Gift:

When I die, give what's left of me to children and old men who wait to die. And if you need to cry, cry for your loved ones who walk behind you. And, when you need me, put your arm around anyone and give them what you need to give me.

I want to leave you something better than words or sounds. Look for me in the friends and people I have known or loved, and if you cannot give me away, at least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.

You love me best by letting hands touch hands, and by letting go of children that need to be free. Love does not die, people do. So, when all of what is left of me is love, give me away so others may prosper.

According to his wishes, there will be no funeral services, as he wishes to pass his body along to medical research. Through the generous humanitarian gift of his body, Bob will provide immeasurable educational and scientific benefits to medical education and society as a whole.

Celebration of Bob's Life will take place at noon Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Lake Naomi Clubhouse in Pocono Pines.

Donations to Valor House at valorclinic.org are preferred and will honor Bob's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Bob's family at mjmclaughlin.com.