Mr. Robert P. "Bob" Bortz

Robert P. "Bob" Bortz, 86, of Topton, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2024 in Lehigh Valley Inpatient Hospice, Allentown. He was the husband of 56 years of Maureen A. (Kleintop) Bortz, who died on March 25, 2017 and whom he married on March 11, 1961.

Born in Fullerton, PA, Robert was a son of the late Earl L. and Helen V. (Peters) Bortz and attended Fullerton Elementary School. Following 7th grade, Bob attended Whitehall High School where he was a member of their brass choir and band, graduating in 1958. Having a great appreciation for music, Bob went on to join the Catasauqua Drum and Bugle Corps and later, The Emmaus Sentinels. Bob honorably and faithfully served his country in The United States Army and Army Reserves for a total of eight years, with service during the Vietnam War.

He was employed by the former Jack Dankel Chevrolet of Allentown, Lehigh Valley Dairy, Western Electric, and most recently, United Parcel Service (UPS) for 20 years, until his retirement. Following his retirement, Bob worked as a delivery and transport driver for Weaver's Hardware, Fleetwood, and Mente Chevrolet, Kutztown.

Bob had a passion for classic cars and hot rods. Bob and his wife Maureen enjoyed traveling to car shows and cruises, both near and far, with their 1934 Ford street rod. Among the many, the annual Wheels of Time Rod and Custom Jamboree, was one of their favorites. Bob and Maureen also attended pow-wows together, which were a very important part of Maureen's Native American heritage. Bob enjoyed going for car rides, going out to eat, collecting model trains, listening to music, especially the classic 50's, dancing and watching the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Phillies. Above all, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Bob is survived by his companion and fiancé, Anna Mae (DeLong) Kercher, Alburtis; his two children, Tammy A. (Bortz), wife of Robert W. Hoeveler Jr., Douglassville, and Erik P. Bortz, Topton; four grandchildren who fondly called him "Poppy", Meghan N. (Smith), wife of Jonathan M. Quier, Kutztown, Taylor L. Bortz, fiancé of Robert E. Comer, III, Topton, Joshua W., husband of Paige (Liebowitz) Bortz, Bernville, and Cody W., husband of Amanda C. (Hess) Wessner, Lenhartsville; and three great-grandchildren, who he was known to as "Great-Poppy", Greyson Z. and Addyson C. Quier and Crew A. Krane; and two step-grandchildren, Caprice C. Hoeveler, fiancé of Andrew Eastham, and Shannon E. Hoeveler.

Bob is also survived by his sister, Carol J. (Bortz) Rosecrans, Fullerton; and along with his wife and parents, was predeceased by a grandson, Zachary D. Smith on July 9, 2005; six sisters and one brother.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Bob's life will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, PA, with The Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Sassaman officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home and military honors, provided by The Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, will conclude services.

In honor of Bob's support for childhood cancer research, the family requests contributions be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.

Click to View Tribute Video for Bob Bortz