Robert R. Seidel

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Robert Roy “Bob” Seidel of Shillington, PA on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, after a courageous and determined battle against cancer and all its atrociousness.

Bob was born in Reading, PA on November 11, 1941 to Russell Jacob Seidel and Ruth Edna (Horn) Seidel. He was their firstborn of two children. He was married to “the love of his life,” Maxine R. (Flowers) Seidel, whom he met in 9th grade, and the two enjoyed nearly 63 years of a very happy, loving, and enduring marriage that is our family’s favorite love story. He was an amazing father to two daughters: Tamra “Tammy” (Seidel) Kriebel, wife of David Kriebel, and Kristin “Krisie” (Seidel) Werner, wife of Steve Werner. He was the “World’s Best PopPop” to his grandkids Bryce Sakach and his wife Megan Moleski, Devon Sakach and his wife Rhiannon Sakach, Alec Kriebel and his wife Kristie Lin Kriebel, Wyatt Kriebel and his girlfriend Hannah Burns, Griffin Kriebel and Kelly Werner and to his great-grandchildren Teddy Sakach and Eve Kriebel. He was a doting Dog Dad to his beloved Duffy.

Surviving Bob is also his sister Janet (Seidel) Yerger, wife of Gary Yerger, as well as two nieces, a nephew, their spouses, several cousins, and many special friends who became like family to him -- all of whom he adored.

Bob graduated from Reading High School and the Electronics Training Center. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and aboard the U.S.S. Wasp. He was a master electrician and held licenses in many different states. He also taught electrical apprenticeship programs at vo-tech schools in Muhlenberg and Brownstown, PA. He was not one to join groups. He preferred to do his own thing. But he was a member of the CDB Senior Club, Gouglersville Fire Company, and the Cape May chapter of the exclusive Cell 9.

Bob loved flower and vegetable gardening and he grew huge, beautiful impatiens and tomatoes better than anyone we know. He also liked hiking and backpacking especially on the Appalachian Trail where he developed his own “Appalachian omelet,” boating on the Chesapeake, woodworking in his workshop, and traveling in the US and Europe. He visited 46 of the 50 states and traveled across western Europe and the UK. His all-time favorite location was Alaska.

Nothing meant more to him than family! It was his pride and joy! He lived by his motto of “Family is Everything.” Through thick and thin, he was there for the people he cared about. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for those he loved. Getting together and spending time with his loved ones meant more to him than anything else. He cherished the family dinners we had regularly; all gathered around the big dining room table telling stories of days gone by. Even as he was feeling the effects of his illness, he wanted nothing more than to gather together with his family for good food and good times.

While he rarely mentioned or talked about his time in the service, we are extremely proud that he served his country in the U.S. Navy as part of the elite Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) Frogmen, the predecessor to the Navy SEALS. He was on active duty during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a true badass and a tough guy, but only when he needed to be. To most of us, he was a humble, peace-loving, devoted family man who was the kindest soul you’d ever want to meet. 

He was and continues to be an inspiration to his entire family, especially his five grandsons who absolutely adore him. One of our favorite scenes, and one we will always cherish, is his grandkids gathered around him on holidays, especially Christmas Day, listening to him tell stories of his youth, his Navy adventures (one of the few times he’d talk about them, usually after a few of his favorite Tanqueray and tonics), his travels, and his life experiences. It became a tradition for his all grandkids; one they looked forward to every year. 

We are forever thankful for his amazing sense of humor, one of the many things we will miss about him. He had a way of busting out comments at the least expected moments that sent us into hysterics. He helped us get through many tough situations and anxious times with his hilarious, out-of-left-field comments. Even as he battled cancer, he never lost that ability. He often had us and his nurses laughing. His humor spanned all topics, but his all-time favorite was definitely a good fart story, something he and his grandson Griffin had a running joke about.  

We are grateful that he instilled in us a love of nature and animals. He loved a good walk in the woods. He called it his “communion with God.” He was forest-bathing before it was a thing. He respected nature and all living things in it and taught us to do the same. Life was precious to him, no matter what form it came in. He especially loved dogs, cats, and horses. Throughout his life, he had many pets, all of whom he loved dearly. They were equal members of our family and cared for with the same love and affection he gave all family members. That is why we are asking that, if you choose to honor his memory, you do so by donating to Humane PA in Reading, PA or Best Friends Animal Shelter in Utah – two of his (and our) favorite places. 

We will miss our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather beyond what words can describe. But we will carry on and honor his memory with the mantra he taught us and explemified – “Family is Everything!” Together, we go forward. Together, we support one another. Together, we honor one of the greatest men we know or will ever know! WE WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER!! 

In closing, we share with you the Irish blessing that he loved so much and often recited at family dinners -- 

May the road rise to meet you. 

May the wind be always at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields, 

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. 

(And as he liked to add:)

And may you be in Heaven, a half hour before the devil knows you are dead! (we know he certainly was!)

Donations in Bob’s memory are requested to the following. Thank you.

Humane Pennsylvania

1729 N 11TH St.

Reading, PA 19604 

610-750-6100

Humanepa.org/donate

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

5001 Angel Canyon Rd

Kanab, UT 84741

435-688-2327

Bestfriends.org/sanctuary

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