While celebrating his mother‘s 99th birthday on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, capturing beautiful memories, videotaping his mom on her 1st rental mobility scooter, smiling and waving, Bob walked over to his mother and said “hold this (cell phone) I don’t feel well” and suddenly collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest while his mother, sister, and best friend watched helplessly as medics shocked. Bob was gone. A beautiful day, in all its perfection turned to tragedy in a split second.
Anyone who knew Bob knew of his love for serving others. He worked 16 years for our State Representative, Joe Emrick in the 137th Congressional District. A job he loved! His interest in government and politics started young, serving as his class president at Easton Area High School, graduating in 1970, then Lafayette College, his father‘s alma mater, with a degree in political science and economics in 1974.
Bob loved the outdoors. He became an Eagle Scout and had the opportunity to attend Philmont. He was a ski instructor at Camelback starting in college and skied this past winter. He was the captain of our old pontoon boat and loved his Delaware River life. His family has been on the river for over 100 years and Bob was exposed to all of it as a kid. He belonged to the “River Rat Club” because once you get a taste of river life, there is no going back…. it’s our home.
Bob loved electronics, he was a ham radio operator, and we will never forget his ID number WA3IQU coming from his childhood bedroom. Bob always placed first or second in his high school science fairs, creating speech synthesizers and ideas that only Bob could create. He had the uncanny ability to fix anything and he was our resident handyman for his mother and sister. Bob also had his real estate license and continued at Kilbanks Co. Realtors when time allowed.
Robert D. Kilbanks led a full life, March 31, 1952 to June 23, 2025… a dedicated son, brother and faithful friend. Bob was a good man! To say that he will be missed is an understatement. Maybe there is a lesson here: spend time with loved ones. Focus on the now. No one ever puts on their tombstone: “I wish I would have worked more”. Tomorrow is promised to no one! Rest in peace Bob. You certainly will be missed by all who knew you and whose lives you helped and changed!
Bob leaves behind his almost 99 year old mother: Jacqueline Kilbanks, sisters: Carol Cotty Kilbanks and Susee Kilbanks all of Easton: niece: Auryn Kilbanks and her husband Paul Ruzicka of Perkasie, PA and Eileen Brodsky of CA, the daughter without labor pains. He was predeceased by his father: Lester Kilbanks.
A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date. The family requests no flowers, instead contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Susee Kilbanks, for the family, c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
