It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Woelfling ’65 into Chapter Eternal. We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Robert’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Obituary and Photo Courtesy of Lebanon Daily News.
“Robert John Woelfling passed away February 2, 2023 in Bradenton, Florida at age 81. Bob was born on October 23, 1941 in Lebanon PA. He graduated from Lebanon High School, then Penn State University with a degree in Engineering Mechanics, and was a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Bob worked for 10 years as an engineer at Hamilton Standard in Connecticut, where he proudly was part of a team which developed space suits for the first US astronauts. He earned his MBA at the University of Connecticut. His children John and Jessica were born in Connecticut, where he lived with his first wife, Kathy, who preceded him in death. The family moved to the Philadelphia area, then moved to the Hershey area in 1977 for his first position with The Hershey Company. Bob retired in 2007 as Vice President of Global Sourcing and Operations Strategy after 30 sweet years with The Hershey Company. It was in Hershey where he met his wife, Sharon, and welcomed their daughter Charlotte. Following his retirement Bob consulted for the Milton Hershey School and the Hershey Trust. During his years in Hershey, Bob served as a board member for the Hershey Museum, a long-time member, board member and President of the Hershey Rotary Club, and was a member of the Food Manufacturers Association. Bob was an avid tennis player, a youth soccer coach, occasional golfer, church elder, Sunday School teacher, and enjoyed biking, kayaking, woodworking, reading historical non-fiction, and world-wide travel. He and Sharon retired to Florida fulltime in 2016 after several years as snowbirds. They especially enjoyed their family trips with all the children and grandchildren together. Bob’s joy was for his 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and his wife, Sharon. He was a devoted, kind, caring, loving, selfless and generous husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed by all. He is preceded in death by his parents Ellen and Joseph Woelfling, and his brother Joseph Woelfling. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; son John, his wife Roberta and their 3 children – Sophie, Daisy, and Walker; daughter Jessica and her 3 children -Adam, Avery, and Alaine; daughter Charlotte, her husband Rob, and their daughter Alexandra. Celebrations of life will be held in Bradenton, FL late March, and at Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey in May 2023. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton Florida.”