V. Robert "Bob" Schmalbach

Vernon Robert Schmalbach, Jr., lovingly known as Bob, age 78, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021.

Born in Baltimore, MD, Bob was the son of the late Maude (Behrens) and Vernon Robert Schmalbach, Sr. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and the University of Delaware with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Bob began his career as a mechanical engineer with DuPont Co., where he worked for over 25 years before retiring. He continued as a consultant for DuPont for another 5 years.

Bob will be remembered as a devoted ”Opa” to his granddaughter, Emma, whom he adored. He treasured spending time with her at Iron Hill Park and then going for ice cream. Bob was a member of the Delaware Saegerbund and loved to watch Emma do her traditional German dances. Bob also loved the beach and many special family memories will be cherished from the annual family vacations spent in Ocean City, MD.

Bob was an avid golfer, who enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antique golf clubs. He was a longtime member of DuPont Country Club. In his leisure time, Bob enjoyed gardening and was a talented woodworker. Bob enjoyed traveling everywhere around the world for work and retirement, especially on many river cruises and other cruises. He was a private, quiet man, who was a man of few words.

Bob enjoyed hanging out with his friends, “The RODEO Friends”, who met for lunch dates at Timothy’s Restaurant in Newark.

Bob is survived by his former wife of 53 years, Ann Schmalbach; his daughters, Robin L. Schmalbach and Lisa A. Boyer (Peter); his grandchildren, Madison, Alena, Nathan and Emma Boyer; his brother, Arthur “Craig” Schmalbach (Debbie); and his sister, Deborah Ann Schmalbach (Tim Hasson).

Family and friends may visit beginning at 4 PM on Wednesday, February 10 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a Celebration of Bob’s Life will begin at 5 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to Emma’s Winter Wonderland , his granddaughter’s annual Toys for Tots campaign or directly to Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org.

To offer condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com.

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