Robert Ernst Esch

Ottsville, PA - Robert Ernst Esch, age 83, died peacefully at home in Bucks County PA, Sunday, April 19, 2015. A graduate of Cranbrook School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard Business School, Bob was a lifelong student of the world, continually analyzing what he observed and building a greater understanding of things. He loved nothing more than to weave that knowledge together with experiences from his career and travels into rich stories told over drinks or a good meal. Born to Rudolf and Mae Esch in Detroit, Bob married Ann Faulkner in 1954. Together they raised five children in Germany, the Midwest, New Jersey, and wherever else Bob’s work brought him. After a stint as a U.S. Army officer, Bob began a distinguished business career culminating in more than 25 years with the Bendix Corporation. An accomplished engineer with several patents in his name, Bob was always captivated by electronics and machines. From tinkering with vacuum-tube and crystal radios as a boy, and building one into his childhood desk, he grew to be an early adopter of hi-fi audio equipment and personal computers. He bought a Prius not to save the environment, but to enjoy the technology. For the last few years, his iPhone and iPad were never far away. Starting with a harrowing transatlantic flight to his father’s native Sweden in the 1940s, Bob was a world traveler. Together with Ann, he saw countries including France, Israel, and Greece. He delighted in making regular visits to Japan, and was fascinated by a trip through the Soviet Union in 1976. Bob was a devoted husband to Ann until her death in 2005. In later years he enjoyed a new chapter of his life with Judith Iorio, marrying her and settling in Ottsville, PA. With a shared passion for guns and gun rights, Bob and Judy worked together as officers of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs. They also became active in local politics, pushing for the replacement of a washed-out bridge in their area. Bob continued his travels with Judy at his side, touring Europe, Africa, and China. All this gave him new material for stories, which he continued to share with his loved ones into his final days. Bob is survived by Judy; daughters Linda, Susan, and Jean; sons Thomas and Daniel; and six grandchildren. Calling hours will be Friday, May 8th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Interment in Newell Cemetery in Stanton NJ will be private. Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the favorite charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to leave an online condolence.