E. Robert Kishbaugh

E. Robert (“Bob”) Kishbaugh, 94, of Bethlehem, formerly of Jim Thorpe (and currently Northampton), passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at LVHN Hospice. He was born on March 21, 1923 in Lehighton, the son of the late Bertha (Mantz) and Robert S. Kishbaugh. He was the loving and devoted husband of Alverda (Meckes) Kishbaugh.

Bob (also fondly known as “Kishie”) was a proud American who served his country as a radio operator in the U.S. Army during W.W.II, serving in the 2nd Infantry Division. He was honored to be in possession of the original Morse Code message he received from the government stating that the war had ended, and was still happy to “tap out” anyones name in Morse Code! After the war Bob graduated from Muhlenberg College and went on to earn his Masters Degree from Lehigh University. Many people are not aware that he spent the early years of his marriage working as a buyer of womens clothing for H. Leh & Co. Department Store, traveling often to N.Y.C. to purchase the seasons latest fashions. His wife enjoyed that, because her closet was always filled with the current style clothing! He began his 30-year career as a Special Education teacher at Nitschmann Jr. High School in the Bethlehem Area School District and later at Liberty High School, where he initiated a work/study program for his beloved students. There he procured jobs in the community for each student, who then attended school for part of the day and went to their respective jobs for the duration of the day. In the winters he supervised an ice skating rink at L.G. Stewart Playground and for 20 years in the summers he Directed a camp for children with special needs from the Scranton School District. Kishie enjoyed playing baseball and basketball and is a member of the Jim Thorpe High School Hall of Fame. Besides having a passion for his family and students, Bob had a passion for music. He enjoyed gospel music, singing with his choir at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (where his wife was the Choir Director), and his wife and daughters have fond memories of harmonizing as a family whenever they got in the car! Bob especially enjoyed singing acapella “barbershop” music in quartets and choruses with “The Lehigh Valley Harmonizers” and “Brothers in Harmony” from the SPEBSQSA organization. He spent many years with them traveling, competing, and entertaining audiences. Above all, Bob loved being with his family, where he always was the center of attention because of his warm, fun, loving personality. His grandchildren will always remember how PopPop would begin laughing for no reason, until the entire room was in hysterics, laughing and loving together, creating joy for everyone in his presence.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of over 70 years, Alverda Kishbaugh; daughters, Linda Vetter (Charlie) and Jackie Fenicle (Steve); grandchildren, Ryan Vetter, Joshua Vetter (Bethany), Adam Fenicle and Aubrie Fenicle; 4 great-grandchildren, Addison, Gianna, Melina, and Kyler; and one brother, Richard D. Kishbaugh (Dottie) of Ambler.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. with a life tribute to begin at 8 P.M at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2700 Jacksonville Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18017 with a Calling Hour preceding at 10:00 A.M. Internment will be held at Bethlehem Memorial Park following the church service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bobs memory to Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church on Jacksonville Rd. Bethlehem or LVHN Hospice on 17th and Chew Streets Allentown.

Cemetery
Bethlehem Memorial Park
1851 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Calling Hours
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Calling Hours
Thursday, March 15, 2018
10:00 AM
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
2700 Jacksonville Rd
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral Service
Thursday, March 15, 2018
11:00 AM
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
2700 Jacksonville Rd
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531