Obituary of Robert E. Harker

Robert E. Harker Sr. passed away the night of November 27^th, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. He was 84 years old.  A native to East Falls, Bob opened his own plumbing business, Robert E. Harker, Plumbing and Heating. He enjoyed spending his summers on the bay in Tom’s River, NJ fishing, clamming and crabbing. The winters were spent in the cabin Bob had built with the help of his friend, Kaz, in Jonestown, PA.  It was here that he had built a treehouse for his grandson and enjoyed hunting with many friends and family. Bob was a true outdoorsman with annual family fishing trips to the Florida Keys and Canada. His free time was spent in the garden or in his shed, where Bob made a point to build cradles for Toys for Tots every holiday season. Every night after dinner, Bob could be found in his recliner either reading the paper or watching the news. He enjoyed working on an ancestry project with his granddaughter, loved eating spicy food and was always making people laugh with his pranks. Every Tuesday consisted of taking his grandchildren to one of his favorite restaurants in the “Blue Goose” either Andy’s, Cracker Barrel or the Bandwagon.

            Husband to Elaine C. (nee Arentzen), Bob was the proud father of four, Robert E., John A. (Kit), Elaine C., and Ken W. (Barbie), and an amazing grandfather to seven, Ashley M., Robert E. III (Keali), Zachary T., Sarah A., Shawn R., Jessica L., Ethan J., and a great-grandfather to Michael A., Brayden L., and Isla G. He is also survived by his brother, Richard, as well as many nieces and nephews.

            Friends and family are invited to share fond memories of Bob on Thursday, December 12^th at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette Hill. Visitation 1-3pm followed by a memorial service at 3pm. Memorial donations may be made to The Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, Philadelphia.