M. Robert “Bob” Derolf

M. Robert BobDerolf

M. Robert “Bob” Derolf, 92, of Pottstown, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday August 24, 2022. He was the husband of the late Grace E. (Cox) Derolf.

Born in Mohnton, he was the son of the late Mahlon and Ruth (Whiskeyman) Derolf.

Bob graduated from Chester High School in 1947. He began work at PQ Corporation as an intern during high school and worked there as a Research Chemist for 52 years. During his tenure, he was awarded with numerous patents. Whenever a question arose, the response was “go ask Bob!”.

In 1948 Bob, met the love of his life, Grace, on a blind date. They eloped and began a lifetime journey for next 54 years.

Bob enjoyed camping, fishing and boating. We are fairly certain there was a sign on the bottom of the boat “Fishy, fishy go away” as he rarely caught one! A big fan of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, he strived for pie baking perfection!

“Gpo”, “Grandpa” , “Grumpy”, as he was affectionately known, was involved in many family activities including teaching his kids, grandkids and great grandkids to drive! He enjoyed attending sporting events and helping to work on school projects. He was a big fan of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and pie baking perfection!

Surviving is his son Harry R. Derolf; daughters Nancy L. Blacksten wife of Gary and Sheila K. Stephens wife of Bruce; grandchildren Brian Blacksten husband of Laura, Dawn Moore wife of George, Elizabeth Prosser wife of Brian, Patrick Stephens, and Tim Derolf husband of Maryann; great grandchildren Nathan Moore husband of Brenda, Tabitha Moore, Anna Blacksten, Miles Prosser, and Nolan Prosser; great great grandchildren Haley Rose Moore-Patterson, Natalea, Danica, Helena, Jamie, Sunny, and Jacob Moore; step-great great grandchildren Isaac and Gabriel; and his niece Sharon Lennon.

Bob was predeceased by his great granddaughter Tiffany Moore.

Services will be held Tuesday August 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, LLC., 711 N. Franklin St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Burial will follow at Frieden’s Cemetery, Oley. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9:00-9:45 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNELYZXFBW

Add My Condolences

Bruce, very sorry for your family's loss. At 92, he lived a good life.

~ Jim Poteet
8/31/2022 9:51:01 AM

I feel fortunate that I was able to visit Bob just a few weeks ago and am sorry he is no longer with us. He was a highly regarded colleague at PQ where he was the “Go-to Guy” since he had great knowledge of past work.

~ Alan Warren Downingtown PA, PA
8/30/2022 9:35:10 AM

Bruce, Pat,
I am very sorry to hear the sad news. My deepest condolences to your family for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

~ Asheesh Nadkarni
8/26/2022 10:10:19 AM

Offering you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences, and may the soul of Bob rest in peace.

~ Sujoy Acharya
8/26/2022 4:04:28 AM