Robert C. Ghantt, Sr.

Robert – “Pop” as he was lovingly known by most - wore many hats, all of them well and with his own flare! True, he was a loving husband and father, and a great brother, he was a spectacular grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. Bob was born in Bristol to Phoebe and Raidess Ghantt and spent most of his childhood there along with his brother and four sisters. He served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Europe for much of that time. Upon returning from his tour of duty, he met the love of his life, Grace Manley. After a whirlwind romance, they married in 1956 and settled in West Bristol. Their first child was born 10 months later, and their happy little family grew to include 10 children by 1973. He worked for US Steel for many years and retired in 1985. Pop loved a good baseball game and an even golf match. He preferred to watch sports with the TV muted because he thought the commentators “talked too much”. He was a big fan of crossword puzzles and the Sunday comics. In recent months, he enjoyed visiting the Bristol wharf where he would chat for hours with fellow retirees covering a wide range of topics and solving the problems of the world. He was a prolific raconteur and never lacked an audience. He spent many hours entertaining his family and friends with impromptu history lessons. One of Bob’s favorite pastimes was carving, and his favorite medium was peach pits. It was truly amazing how he could look at a peach stone and determine the masterpiece it would eventually become. It was not uncommon to find a baggie filled with peach pits left at the house in the hopes that whoever left them might become lucky enough to acquire a much-coveted crucifix, elephant, monkey, or even a miniature teacup and saucer, or tea pot. His treasures are fondly displayed in many a household and are quite a conversation piece. He loved to “tinker” and work with his hands. His cache of tools was coveted by his sons and grandsons and was testament to his serious interest in his many projects. The biggest and most satisfying of his projects started as a hunting cabin, built with loving hands by Pop and his sons, with help from many family friends. It eventually became their fulltime home when they sold the house in West Bristol and moved to the cabin in Susquehanna in 2005. The years from 2005 to 2017 were filled with days communing with nature, hauling water, chopping wood and trying to stay ahead of the gnats! Pop spent a lot of his time tinkering with the tractor and hitting golf balls. Bob and Grace would often take nature walks through their 25 acres, enjoying the scenery and the peace and quiet. When it became difficult to sustain life in the woods, Bob and Grace were fortunate enough to move back to Bucks County and have resided for the past 3 years with their loving daughter Grace Lynn Brennan. Lynn’s generous spirit made it possible for Pop to live out his final months and days basking in the love and attentiveness of his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Religion played an integral part in Bob’s life. He valued the sacraments and could often be found deep in prayer, never far from his rosaries and prayer cards. They were a great source of comfort during his pain and suffering. Bob tried to lead by example, teaching morals and ethics that helped to mold his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob is survived by his loving wife Grace, devoted sister Nancy Ritterson, daughter Winnie Jenkins and husband Paul, daughter Lynn Brennan, son Bob Ghantt and wife Kimberlee, daughter Lily Strimel and partner Kevin, son Michael and partner Jill, son Thomas and partner Marie, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, dozens of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter Rosie (1977), son Patrick (1982), daughter Cherie (1994) and daughter Mary (2012). A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at Bristol Cemetery. When it is safe to gather as a group again, we will hear a mass celebrating Bob’s life. If you leave your email address, we will notify all interested in attending. Thanks for taking the time to read this and share in our memories. Stay safe and be well.