Robert L. Edson passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the age of 91.
“Bob” was born on April 11, 1931 in Upper Darby, PA to Irma Mae and Howard Dunbar Edson and lived most of his life in Delaware County. He was a Loving and beloved husband, father, granddad, uncle, and friend. Bob was a POW in the Korean War, an experience that molded his future in many ways. All through his life, gifted with craftsmanship, he was always ready with tools and a helping hand for any and all who needed. He was a sports fan, especially anything Eagles! Bob built furniture, including a stunning heirloom hutch, restored an antique car, and played with big boy toys like a sailboat, houseboat, and later a fishing boat. He was an optimist (and member of the actual Optimist Club). He was also involved with the Sea Scouts. Bob was active in all the activities of his children, especially Boy Scouts, Pinewood Derby, and later Band. He continued to encourage and cheer on his adult children and grandchildren. Bob worked most of his career at and retired with Bell Telephone. He started as a switchman and frameman, and steadily rose through the ranks to management, where he stayed until he retired in his 50’s. He was a no-nonsense kind of man, but always looked for the good in any situation. He was a wonderful husband to the late Ruth W. Edson. He was also preceded in death by his sister Anne Elizabeth “Nancy” and by many other extended relatives and friends. He was an awesome Dad to Paul and Liz Edson, and to Judy and Gary Oakland. He was a loving Grandad to Cheri, Stephanie, and Benjamin, and a fun GPop to our newest: Chewie the mini-goldendoodle. Bob is also survived by his brother, Al, in Indiana, and by many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and by family friends who will miss him very much. Though he didn’t voice it very often, the Christian faith he discovered/solidified during the Korean War while he was a POW, carried him through his entire life and helped him to be an awesome human being.
Services are Saturday, April 15th at Griffith Funeral Chapel on Chester Pike in Norwood. A brief visitation will be held from 10:30am-11am, followed by 11am Service.
Afterwards there will be a Military Burial at Eastlawn Cemetery in Milmont Park, followed by a luncheon at Lehman’s Tavern in Tinicum. All are welcome.
