Robert W. Tickner, age 83, beloved husband for 57 years to Helen Haynes Tickner of Wayne and devoted father of Robert H. (Maria), William H. (Kelly), and Thomas J. (Sheri), passed away on Monday, October 5, 2015 after a five-year battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer. He is survived by his sister, Roberta Howell, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Caroline Griffis. Lastly, much of his joy in recent years came from his grandchildren: Timothy and Sarah, Madeleine and Isabelle, and Austin, Mason, Brooklynn, and Audrey.
Born to Robert N. Tickner and Marian Benson on May 31, 1932 in Susquehanna, PA, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Korean War with the USS AJAX AR 6, discharging with good conduct in 1953. Following his military service, he studied at Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters degree in Engineering. His career included engineering positions at Sealtest in Philadelphia, followed by Campbell Soup Company in Camden, NJ where he retired as a Project Engineer after 29 years with the company.
Bob's engineering background and willingness to help others was apparent at home as he truly enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren the mechanics of a wide variety of trades. The many projects ranged from home improvements to refurbishing grandfather clocks and antique cash registers.
Bob was a proud American patriot, always displaying the American flag at home and maintaining longtime memberships in both the American Legion and the Free Masons. He also enjoyed history and his membership with the Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society and had particular interest in the U.S. Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. He especially loved the study of genealogy and family heritage. Bob's research recently discovered George W. Tickner, [Pvt. Co. A, 56th Regt. PV.] who died in battle on July 1, 1863, is buried at The National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Section E, grave #49. Additionally he highlighted and documented the 375th anniversary of his ancestors' arrival to America, which was celebrated at the annual summertime family reunion.
Bob was a member for over 50 years of the Wayne United Methodist Church where he cherished his discipleship bible study classes.
A visitation with the family occurred from 4:30-6PM on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at Wayne United Methodist Church, Wayne, PA.
Immediate services were private. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Susquehanna, PA on July 23, 2016.
Robert W. Tickner bravely fought Multiple Myeloma for the past five years and very much appreciated the research and expertise of his oncologist, Edward Stadtmauer, M.D., and his team.
Therefore, in lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in Robert W. Tickner’s name to The Abramson Cancer Center to support the Multiple Myeloma research of Dr. Edward Stadtmauer (checks payable to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St. Suite 750, Philadelphia PA, 19104 or www.penncancer.org).