Robert W. Ehle

Robert W. Ehle, 66, of Orefield, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family following a brief, hard-fought battle with angiosarcoma. "Rob" was the husband of Nancy (Palombo) Ehle to whom he was married 38 years. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1958, Rob was the son of Adrienne (Dickerson) Ehle of Lancaster and the late Francis R. Ehle. He was raised in Emmaus, where he was an accomplished All-American swimmer. In 1977, he moved to West Chester to attend Widener University. After graduation, he met his wife Nancy while they were both working in the Intensive Care Unit at The Medical College of Pennsylvania. In 1985, he attended anesthesia school at Christiana Hospital in Delaware. As a Nurse Anesthetist, Rob was the first CRNA in the state of Pennsylvania to start an independent practice. In 1988, he established Lehigh Anesthesia Associates, which he owned and operated through 2020. Rob was an avid outdoorsman and award-winning hunter, who enjoyed traveling the world with his bow and arrow. In his spare time, he developed an interest in agriculture. As a steward of the land, he took pride in strengthening and preserving our local habitat. Farming became not just a hobby but a passion; one that produced his famous "Palombo's Perfect Peaches." Whether he was working or playing, persistence and hard work drove Rob to be successful in whatever he set his mind to. This was evidenced by his newest endeavor, golf, where he shaved 30 strokes off his handicap since retiring. In his pastime, Rob curated a collection of fine wine and bourbon, which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Rob was the ultimate Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies and Villanova basketball fan. Above all, Rob's greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and Pop, always putting family first. Rob's warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone he met. He left a lasting impact on the hearts and souls of so many. Survivors: In addition to his loving wife and mother; son, Daniel R. Ehle of Orefield; daughter, Allyson E. Hughes and her husband, Stuart of Westfield, NJ; beloved grandson, Parker Robert Hughes; many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews, loyal pups Hayden and Rosie, and brother, David Ehle of Bend, OR; predeceased by a sister, Linda Wheeler, and his beloved dogs, Sammy, Nora, and Kati. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 am. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church,1046 West Cedar Street, Allentown, PA. Family and friends may pay their respects from 6:00 pm. – 8:00 pm. Friday at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sarcoma Awareness at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.