Robert "Bob" Simpson

Bob Simpson spent over 65 years of his life weaving an incredible love story with his darling wife Anne. From the moment they met on a blind date halfway across the world to their whirlwind engagement and marriage, they both led with love and a sense of adventure! Bob loved with his whole heart, starting with Anne and then his four children and eventually his nine grandchildren. He was a lover of opera, wine, crossword puzzles, and golf. He and Anne rarely missed their weekly Mass. He was forever faithful to Dartmouth College and the Marine Corps, and had a wonderful career as an international business executive.

Bob was born in Floral Park, NY, on May 19 of 1931, as the eldest child of Carl and Doris Simpson. He was soon joined by his twin siblings, Richard and Dorothy (Dottie). As a teenager, Bob could be found pole vaulting over his neighbor's bushes and competing in Track and Field for Bay Shore High School. He was a dedicated student and received special recognition for his 12 years of perfect attendance. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1953 and completed a combined Master’s degree from Tuck School of Business and Thayer School of Engineering in 1954. At Dartmouth, He lettered in Track and Field, was a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity, and the Casque & Gauntlet Senior Society. After graduation, Bob served as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps from 1954-57 in the Third Marine Division based at Camp Fuji (Japan). After leaving the Corps, Bob began his long career at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Starting in their Brooklyn plant, Bob soon joined their International Division and began traveling the world.

While in Sydney, Australia, Bob was set up on a blind date with a lovely young airline stewardess from Qantas Airlines. Who would have guessed that that night was the beginning of one of the greatest love stories? Within three weeks of that fateful night, they were engaged. They married a few months later. Anne followed Bob around the world as he built his international career with two-year stints in Mumbai, India, Karachi, Pakistan, and Tehran, Iran. They eventually settled in Brussels, Belgium, for 12 years. During these years Bob and Anne had their four children, each born on a different continent.

In 1978, Bob pursued a new opportunity with the West Company in Phoenixville, PA. This transition prompted a long-sought-after move to the US as they settled in Devon, PA, where they lived for the next thirteen years. At the West Company, Bob headed the International Division and oversaw the growth and expansion of the company's global footprint covering 14 countries across the world. He retired in 1991, and he and Anne became snowbirds, traveling between their new homes in Harbour Ridge, Florida, and Hanover, New Hampshire. Bob served on several Boards and committees at Harbour Ridge, including chairing a major rebuild after a hurricane and the construction of the fitness center. During these retirement years, they traveled the world with their many friends, visiting countless vineyards and golf courses. Bob played endless golf on six different continents and played all of the courses on the British Open circuit. Their retirement days were highlighted by the many social gatherings, wine dinners, and fun-filled visits with their children and grandchildren.

Ten years ago, they downsized and moved to Shannondell Retirement Community in Pennsylvania to be closer to family. They continued to enjoy spending time with friends and especially their nine grandchildren. Besides completing the daily crossword, Bob read the paper every day to keep up with world events and the latest developments with his beloved Eagles and Phillies. He was fortunate to celebrate 65 years married to the love of his life, Anne, and cherished every moment with her.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Anne; his four children, Edward (Karen), Catherine (Jake), Laura, Paul (Sandra); and his nine grandchildren, Kylie, Alie, Jack, Luke, Tommy, Caroline, Daniel, Nicole and Juliette. Bob is survived by his sister, Dorothy, and was preceded in death by his brother Richard.

In lieu of traditional flowers or memorial donations, the family kindly suggests that you share a glass of red wine with those you hold dear, cherishing life's fleeting moments together. And, in Bob's enduring spirit—Go Birds!