Robert E. Willey

Robert E. Willey passed away peacefully on October 23, 2019 in the home he built for his family.  Born to his loving parents, Roy W. and Hazel A. Willey, Bob was the second of eleven children.  He was a graduate of Middletown High School where he was a talented baseball player and captain of his team.  He became a lifelong, avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.  After graduation, Bob prepared for his career as construction superintendent for Eastern States Construction Company learning the fine art of operating heavy equipment. 

He met the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Rose Pedicone Willey, at a New Year’s party and has been celebrating the event ever since. Bob is the beloved father of four daughters: Linda Hart (Ed), Mary Louise Guessford (Larry), Margie Mannering (Greg) and Bobbie Stump (Robert). Bob’s 14 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren will forever cherish his memory and have always considered their Grandpop to be one of the greatest men who ever lived.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his siblings Jack Willey, Gloria Weiss, Shirley Price, Nancy Biddle and Donald Willey.  He will be forever missed by his surviving siblings Kathleen Hendricksen, David Willey, Susan DeVecchis and Mary Ellen Retz.  Bob is also predeceased by his in-laws Dominick and Louise Pedicone, whom he loved.

Bob was a devoted fourth degree member of St. David Council of the Knights of Columbus.  He and Rose worked tirelessly together to serve the Knights when Bob became the 92/93 Delaware State Deputy.  He was also master of the fourth degree.  A patriot, Bob served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Visitation will be held at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 2431 Frazer Rd., Newark, DE 19702 on Tuesday October 29, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at church at 11:00 am on Wednesday October 30, 2019 where friends are welcome to visit beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow Mass in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bob’s favorite charity instituted by his great-grandson; 3B Brae’s Brown Bags Foundation, 950 Rue Madora, Bear, DE 19701.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert E. Willey, please visit our floral store.