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.
michael ortoski (Blue Valley Times)
July 2, 2025 at 9:58 am
Bob was a man of the public, always reaching out to help some one, group and non-profits.
He was always in touch with me on articles for my Blue Valley Times news media for the Slate Belt and surrounding areas, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, citations to be awarded.
We sat on the same ‘Friends of Minsi Lake’ board over the past 7 years voting on all the improvements to the lake. Joe Emerick and his staff were instrumental in getting the funding for the new dam to get the project started.
“Bob you are in the hearts of many people and you will be missed.”
Salvatore R Ruta
July 2, 2025 at 12:36 pm
I am totally shocked. Bob has always been super helpful in getting thing done when I needed help in Harrisburg! Friendly, personable and all around nice guy! Loved walking across the street and just shooting the breeze after he always gave me good news. Gonna miss that Smile!!! God Bless you Bob and to your family. Will say an extra prayer today for them.
Peg Ferraro
July 2, 2025 at 12:46 pm
Bob was a dear friend My deepest condolences to his family. I’m in shock and so saddened by this news. He was always there to help me in my political endeavors and he was the welcoming smile whenever and wherever we saw each other. RIP Bob. You were definitely one of the good guys.
Nicholas Sabatine
July 2, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Bob and I enjoyed a close relationship based upon our shared political beliefs. During several political campaigns when I ran for office, Bob and I often traveled together door to door, many times ending long days campaigning enjoying each other’s company at the dinner table.
Almost two decades ago when I was looking for musicians to help me record songs I wrote with political themes, Bob introduced me to his good friend who helped me record my first album. Bob was always one of the first people I sent my recordings to for feedback and always Bob would say each one was better than the last. HIs enthusiasm helped to keep me motivated to write and record two more albums and each new song was met with one of Bob’s infectious smiles and laughs. And I will never forget his trademark greeting “Hey Nick!!”
Bob was a kindred soul to me and I’m sure many others. God Bless Robert.
Ranee Collins
July 2, 2025 at 1:15 pm
Bob was an amazing person. He always had a welcoming smile with many kind words to say in the 35 years that I have known him. He was known well in the area. I would venrure to say that he was loved by all. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. We need to get a memory bench out there in his honor. I will contribute. Just like that, your life is over. Friends and family of Bob, you will see him again if you know Jesus as your Savior as Bob did. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again.
Cathy Poppiti
July 2, 2025 at 1:20 pm
Bob was a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face and was just the nicest person you could ever meet. I always enjoyed his company any time we worked together. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal 🙏🏼
Renee Mowad
July 2, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Bob was the person, coworker, friend you could always count on for his work knowledge/expertise, willingness to work with our office when called upon, always doing it with sincerity and a smile!! Just a true gentleman…Rest in Peace Bob🙏🏻
Grace norci
July 2, 2025 at 2:26 pm
So saddened and very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I knew Bob for the last 15 years from going into Joe Emericks office twice a year where he helped me with rebates. One ot the nicest person I have ever met. Always cheerful and with a smile. My sincere condolence to the family.
Mario Scavello
July 2, 2025 at 2:43 pm
Bob, was one of those special individuals that loved helping people.
It was my honor and pleasure to have known Bob for the past 20 years.
My office would contact Bob on a regular basis to discuss issues. He truly was a man of the people.
I send my deepest condolences to Bob’s family. May your famil find some small comfort in the many loving memories. With deepest sympathy.
Mario Scavello
Stephen Constantine
July 2, 2025 at 3:36 pm
Bob was a great guy and his father was a truly good man as well. I’m so sad to hear this sad news. Really, a wonderful guy always with a great smile. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Frank DeVito
July 2, 2025 at 4:12 pm
I was so sad to hear that Bob passed away last week. I had the privilege of meeting him through local politics. He was such a kind, faithful, generous soul and I always enjoyed getting to chat with him. May God rest his soul and comfort his family.
Brian and Tiffany O’Neill
July 2, 2025 at 4:39 pm
We are so sad to learn of Bob’s untimely passing. From Senate and Congressional primaries, fun political events back in the Lehigh Valley, all the way to our time here as staffers in the PA House, Bob has always been a consistent source of inspiration and a model for absolute kindness to all. Our deepest condolences go to his mom and extended family.
Susee Kilbanks
July 2, 2025 at 5:13 pm
It is so strange to see my brother’s picture in an obituary!
I thought for sure it would always be my mom, never Bob! We used to joke that Bob was gonna be the one to give her her her 100 year old certificate.
He was the greatest brother, and he was so helpful to my Mom and me! The best brother ever!
We always knew we had each other and we had plans of how we would take care of our Mom going forward!
I never worried about it because I always thought he would be here to help
We always had such wonderful talks!
I never had to ask for him to help me. He just showed up!
He had the most beautiful smile and helpful spirit!
Life will be so different without him and I hope my Mom and I can find our new normal!
If this was not a lesson about how life can change in a second nothing was!
It’s so wonderful to all these beautiful condolences about my brother’s spirit and it just confirms what an amazing guy he was!
I’m proud of you Bob! Well Done!
Susee
Mary Wozniak
July 2, 2025 at 5:42 pm
My first introduction to Bob was an impromptu meeting at a local gas station in the area. A friend and I had been out placing political signs one chilly day and we encountered Bob as we contemplated the “best place to put our signs”. Bob was polite, cordial and supportive of our efforts. I would learn later of his background, education and significant contributions to politics in the Lehigh Valley. God must need another angel and perhaps a political coordinator there in Heaven. Bob qualifies for both.
Rich and Gina Grucela
July 2, 2025 at 6:34 pm
Our deepest sympathies thoughts and prayers to Bob’s mother and entire family. Bob was first a student of mine at EAHS and later a great friend as an adult. I was very proud of Bob’s political interests in helping people and enjoyed our conversations at the polls every election. I’m shocked and saddened at this news. May he rest in God’s eternal peace.
Joy Hemming
July 2, 2025 at 6:48 pm
I’m so sorry to read about Bob’s passing. I’ve known him for over 25 years. Such a friendly and kind person. Hard to believe I just saw him a month ago. His family can be very proud of Bob everyone that met him saw an amazing man.
My condolences to his family. I’m sure you have many good memories.
Judge John M Morganelli
July 2, 2025 at 7:16 pm
Bob was a nice man and always a gentleman. I always enjoyed when our paths crossed when I was District Attorney. He was a good and thoughtful man. I am so sorry to hear this news. My sincere condolences to his family.
Don DaVanzo
July 2, 2025 at 7:23 pm
Susee and family. I’m very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Rob Kaintz
July 2, 2025 at 9:15 pm
Memories are forever when pictures were not taken. Bob would always keep us posted how high the the Delaware River was rising during floods. Although his home and Susee his sister’s home was directly on the river the houses were higher so most floods wouldn’t quite make it to the basement windows
But there were quite a few that rose to the heights to inundate his home. He and his sister and mom and who ever they can call we would help them move their belongs out of the basement and out to higher ground. He was always monitoring how long we had before the waters rose to get everything out. We would help his sister’s house and Bob’s hose simultaneously. Then with a swoosh the water would be pouring in the basement and rise to the first floor. I have no pictures but the memory of Bob, Susee, and his mom Jackie smiling saying thank you over and over to all who helped them with the dire quick move. Bob also would tell us who the pro life candidates were and drop us off yard signs of candidates if I had had a picture of all the yard signs in his car’s hatch back that would have been a good laugh. but I have that in my memory. Or him positioning yard signs in the ground just at the right angle so passerby can see. Bob would be in charge to set up politocal events at Chrin’s community center in Palmer. He would ask me to borrow my long tabels and i would help him set those up along with dozens of the community center tabels for all the business that showed up. Bob would align those tabels in the gymnasium organized and lined up in rows straight and perfect for the event. I wish I’d have pictures of those set ups but I have them in my memory. He would set up doughnut pick ups grom Dunkin Doughnuts and I would pick up and deliver them to those events. Yes I have many fond memories of Bob coming to our church at Faith Community Assembly of God , the Pastor would announce” Bob Kilbanks is here its voting time” and Bob would go to the service and afterwards set up a table in the atrium for signatures to sign for the up and coming candidates. In our neighborhood, Bob made friends obtaining signatures also. He just wouldn’t just ask for signatures , he would chat smile and just be a loving caring public servant. Those would be the pictures I would have loved to take. From the Kaintz family our deepest prayers and condolences go out to Jackie, Susee , and Cotty Kilbanks and niece: Auryn and her husband, also Bob’s great neighbors on the river, all Bob’s friends and acquaintances and Joe Emerik one of the closest men and closestest friend to Bob. Praise God for Bob Kilbanks who we loved and cherished when we were with him. Thank you Bob for inviting us to your family events over the years and for being a great friend. Just imagine what Bob is seeing in Heaven.
Dareen Weppel DeVine
July 2, 2025 at 10:46 pm
Bob always had a smile on his face and was very friendly.
Kelly Lewis
July 2, 2025 at 11:19 pm
Sad to learn of Bob’s passing. Bob loved Northampton County, it’s people and politics. I met Bob when he ventured north into Monroe County helping political races. The conversations were always good, always positive. Bob was kind, and liked to work hard to win on the merits versus bashing the other side. Condolences to family and friends. Godspeed Bob
Carol Eisenbise
July 3, 2025 at 7:15 am
My deepest condolences to Bob’s family and those who worked with him in Joe Emrick’s office. As a volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide, we sent many clients to Bob to have him complete their Real Estate Tax Rebate form. He loved helping them in whatever way he could. He will be missed!
Bill Leiner
July 3, 2025 at 8:35 am
I am stunned at Bob’s passing. I would see him in my work role as he worked for Joe Emrich. Being the same age as Bob, we had enjoyable older guy conversations and talking about politics. Please accept my deepest condolences to Bob’s family. He certainly will be missed. May Bob rest in peace.
Shari Lifland
July 3, 2025 at 8:48 am
Hearing about Bobby’s death is simply heartbreaking. He was such a amazingly good guy and a wonderful, loving son to dear Jackie and brother to Cotty and Susee. Life is so precious and fleeting. Sending love to the family, whom I’ve known all of my life. I know your lives are now forever changed and I hope that together you’ll find the strength to get through this difficult time.
Erik Chuss
July 3, 2025 at 9:10 am
I am so saddened to hear of Bob’ passing. I have known Bob for over 20 years as a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. He always took time to talk and never hesitated to offer helped whenever it was needed. Bob was a blessing in my life and in so many other people lives as well. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his family. He will truly be missed.
Scott Reichard
July 3, 2025 at 9:10 am
Aunt Jackie, and family, I’m so sorry to hear this news. May he rest in peace.
Recently talked to cousin Bob at the luncheon for the those 100 years old. We exchanged numbers and promised to get together.
Just goes to show don’t put it off. We had a lot to talk about both being raised on the river.
Eileen Brodsky
July 3, 2025 at 10:22 am
Bobby was altruistic and gave unselfishly. His compassionate nature was apparent. Losing Bobby is immeasurable. The grief is shared by so many that ever had the opportunity to meet know and love him.
James W. Kresge
July 3, 2025 at 11:02 am
My condolences to the family. Bob was the rare soul that always had a smile on his face, and no matter what was going on, when he saw you he made you feel like you were the highlight of his day. Though I mourn his passing, I am grateful to have been blessed with having known him.
Richard Bartolacci
July 4, 2025 at 1:43 pm
I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of Bobby. Please accept my deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
Growing up across the street from your family, was such a memorable part of my childhood. I’ll always remember the kindness, familiar smiles, and sense of community we all shared.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m wishing you peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead.
Randy Fineelli
July 4, 2025 at 4:21 pm
I am sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a very nice man. He was very active in the Slate Belt Republican Association and was always helping us at our events. He will be sorely missed.
Christopher Millard
July 5, 2025 at 10:22 am
It is sad to see about the passing of Bob Kilbanks. To leave us the way he did has got to be difficult for his family, friends, and co-workers.
I got to know Bob when I was a volunteer/committeeman with the Northampton County Republican Committee back in the early to mid 2000’s. When I would attend various events, he was always friendly with me and made sure he said hi to me. He was definitely one of the people to go to with the Northampton County GOP, and made a lot of contributions to the Republican party. I always viewed Bob as the guy to go to if you wanted to know the pro-life candidates.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time. Bob will be missed.
Eric & Rosemarie Wenzelberger
July 5, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family. He was just one of the kindest, intelligent people we knew. Always gave us time, as though the remainder of the day was for us, no one else. Bob, you were the go to person at Mr. Emrick’s office, a true treasure of a human being. To his family, Joe, Kristen and friends, may God’s blessings help you during this sad time . Come unto me, Bob, and I will give you rest. Peace be with you. Eric & Rosemarie Wenzelberger
Mary Kennon
July 6, 2025 at 8:53 am
Bob touched countless people in such beautiful ways. May all of the wonderful memories of his genuinely, thoughtful actions, and smiling presence remain with all who knew and loved him to bring comfort, and help them navigate through this tragic loss.
Pat Matejcek
July 6, 2025 at 12:33 pm
I am saddened and shocked when I heard of Bob’s passing. He was always there to help us with problems I had over the years when I called Joe Emerick’s office. I am going to miss his smiling face! My prayers are with his family may he rest in peace….
Katie Testa
July 7, 2025 at 10:50 am
I got to work with Bob, particularly during lease season here at work. He was always so nice and helpful, and I will miss him very much. I just want his family to know how highly he was thought of and how sorry I am for this terrible loss. God bless you all.
April Zakutney
July 7, 2025 at 9:02 pm
My thoughts and prayers for the family. I met the family that evening on the boardwalk and my heart breaks. Bob had the biggest smile filming his mom along the board walk.
Monica McCandless
July 8, 2025 at 1:34 pm
It was a pleasure knowing Bob. He was a kind and generous soul. I had the opportunity to get to know him through Representative Emrick’s Senior Fairs, where he was always willing to lend a helping hand. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
Jimmy Zumba
July 9, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Bob was one of the most welcoming and kind people I have met. Every time I met or run into him, he had an smile in his face. I enjoyed his political stories and you will be missed. I am sure God has you in His presence.
Shari, John and Josh Curtin
July 11, 2025 at 8:47 pm
Bob was, and is, the kindest of men. We are so sad to hear of his passing; our hearts are heavy. He will be sorely missed. Although this is tragic at this end, we know how much Bob loved Jesus and are comforted knowing he is with Christ in Glory. Love and prayers to the family.
Ronald Brodsky
July 12, 2025 at 5:56 pm
” There are stars up above, So far away we only see their light long, long after The star itself is gone
And so it is with people that we loved – their memories keep shining ever brightly though their time with us is done. But the stars that light up the darkest night, These are the lights that guide us, As we live our days, These are the ways we remember”
You will be missed Bob
Gail Linton-Kohut
August 6, 2025 at 6:09 pm
To the Kilbanks Family, my deepest condolences to you on the passing of Bob, I knew Bob for many years, he was a wonder person with the personality to go with it. I worked next door to his real estate’s office for many years, had many political conversations. Prayers and comforting thoughts of knowing I knew him.
Ann Huntington Barnett
August 25, 2025 at 5:05 pm
I was so sorry to read of this on Lafayette’s web page. Bob and I were classmates and good friends at Lafayette. Time and distance separated us, but I always remembered him very fondly as a warm person and good friend. My thoughts are with his family. I know he will be missed. Ann