Robert R. Donecker

Robert (Bob) Donecker, most recently from Crosslands community in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2020.  Born in 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Richard and Anita Donecker, Bob graduated from Yeadon H.S. and Lehigh University (EE 1954).  He also completed graduate courses at University of Pennsylvania and Yale Divinity School. 

Bob and his wife, Marie, were married for 31 years until she passed in 1988.  Several years later he met Boann Artz with whom he spent many happy years until she passed in January of 2020.

Bob started his career at Philco, then moved to Burroughs/Unisys where he spent the majority of his career as a computer systems programmer/architect/manager, making many great friends and memories. 

Bob spent many years singing and performing with the (Bryn Mawr) Mainliners barbershop chorus.  As well as performing all vocal parts with the chorus and quartets, Bob served in various leadership roles within the chapter including show director, vice president, and president.

As a lifetime lover of all things involving trains, Bob spent many years volunteering at the Strasburg Railroad and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, taking on many roles including conductor, docent, president of the Friends of the Railroad Museum, and librarian, organizing records in the museum library.  Bob also served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Railroad Museum, including a year as its President.

Bob was a skilled bridge player and especially enjoyed playing duplicate bridge with his wife and with friends at Crosslands.  He also loved the beach, especially Ocean City, NJ, where he spent many happy summers with family both as a child and as a father and grandfather. 

Bob is survived by his daughter, Kathy, three grandchildren, and brother, Fred, and beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.  He is predeceased by his sister, Jane, wife, Marie, and loving friend, Boann.

No services are planned at this time.  To honor Bob’s memory, donations can be made to Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, The Mainliners Chorus, Philabundance, Kendal-Crosslands Communities, Lehigh University, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Planned Parenthood of Chester County, American Red Cross, Brady Center for Gun Violence, Brandywine Valley SPCA, Nature Conservancy, WHYY, or a charity of your choice. 

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