Robert A. Small

Robert Arwood Small died on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at St. Mary Medical Center. He was 86 years old. Born in Minnesota, he has resided in Levittown for the past 47 years. Bob was a veteran of World War II. Joining the Navy at only 17 years old, he served as a radar man on the USS Tulagi for three years. He worked most of his life in the lithography and graphic arts field, retiring after 35 years as a master lithographer. One of Bob's major accomplishments was the conversion of the Arizona Highway Magazine to a web press process, while maintaining artistic quality. Respected for his expertise, Bob was asked to speak at training classes at the Philadelphia Lithographic Institute. He enjoyed painting fine miniature ceramics and watching all types of sports, especially the Phillies, college football and basketball. Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy Irene (Caye), and four children, Cathy Christi (Joe), Sandra Danson (Don), Melonie Burgess (Bill) and McKenzie Small (Min). He was preceded in death by three children, Shelly Schmitzer, Nancy J. Small and Robert A. Small Jr. "Grandpa" will be sadly missed by Marycaye, Amelia, Meghan, Michael, Colleen, Ryan, Stephanie, Valerie, HuiShu and his two great grandsons, Ethan and Rowan. Bob is also survived by two brothers, Jan and Ronald; two sisters, Betty Regan and Shirley Jones; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to the St. Mary nursing staff and Odyssey Hospice personnel for not only the outstanding care they provided, but the kindness and respect shown to Bob and his family. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Rosedale Memorial Park.