Robert Lewis Kropp

Our beloved Bob Kropp aka “Dad”, “Bobby”, “Pop-Pop”, “Pop”, “Pup-Pop”, “Bro-man” touched many lives and left a lasting impression on all those he met, friends and family alike, providing memories of good times, a great sense of humor, a love of storytelling, a tremendous love of life, an appreciation for all that we have in this world and the wonderful country we are privileged to live in. But mostly for those who knew him well, he simply had a Kind Heart. Robert Lewis Kropp was brought into this world, a gift to his parents Ed and Jane Kropp (both predeceased) on Christmas Eve, 1946. And on the morning of Sunday, January 3, 2021, he went home to be with his Lord for all eternity. He will be sadly missed. Bob grew up in the Lawndale Section of Philadelphia and kept in touch with many friends from the neighborhood throughout the years. One of his favorite things to do was to “reminisce” about old times with old buddies or his sisters, Jacque, Linda, and Leigh and brother-in-law, Jack. Bob proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy and often wore his Navy hat while out and about. He spoke fondly of those years and was so happy that he had enlisted. After the Navy, he was thrilled to work for the Philadelphia Electric Company (Exelon) for over 31 years. Because he still wanted to contribute his talent, he then worked for Boehringer Laboratories, a medical device company, as a “small gadget inventor” eventually even gaining a patent for a device he helped bring to fruition. Each Veterans’ Day, Bob was very moved by the patriotic services that the Eagleville Elementary School sponsored when he attended as the proud guest of his grandchildren, Bobby and Chloe. Bob often spoke of how he wanted to pass on his knowledge and talent to the grandchildren, hoping that one or more of them would eventually be able to use the hundreds of tools he had accumulated over the years. He loved spending one-on-one time with each child and trying to get across the importance of “Family”. He was ready to help in any way whether it was a school project, a problem that needed solving, or a machine that needed to be fixed, he was ready and able to assist. Bob thoroughly enjoyed teaching Uncle Eddie how to use his new I-phone and was so patient in getting across the new technology. He loved to help in any way possible at family gatherings, whether it was getting dressed up as ‘The Pilgrim’ each Thanksgiving, or Santa Claus many years ago for St. Teresa’s First Grade class, or even “Uncle Sam” when Diana became a naturalized citizen. For wedding and baby showers, he helped make dozens of favors, and even managed to make the perfect “Sock Doll” to replace the one worn away many years ago. His mind was always working as to how he could contribute. Bob was so proud of all his children and grandchildren; the oldest, Chrissie, and the two beautiful children she helped to raise, Brice and Carly; Bob and Johanna, and their five children they were blessed with, Owen, Tyler, Cassidy, Bobby, and Chloe; the newlyweds, Matt and Diana; and Samantha and Carl who were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Blair Eleanor, just five weeks prior to his passing. Every night there was time set aside for “Blair Time” via Facetime. He was SO looking forward to holding Blair for the first time and eventually getting down on the floor to play! He said he “could not wait”! During the pandemic, he felt a need to try to learn something new so lo and behold, he received a very early birthday present, a guitar, from Matt and Diana. Each night, he would practice his “notes” and “chords” for hours and it would be music to Chris’ ears. It was beautiful. He even attempted to teach Little Bobby what he had learned so far. He considered himself the only one who could do certain jobs, such as being the “driver” for Chris for trips to the store, vacuuming, yardwork, snow removal, even turning down the bed covers each night and securing the house, making sure all was safe and then looking out the window and declaring “All Clear”. Each year, Bob would look forward to spending vacation time with the family, trying to give individual attention to each child, whether it was bodysurfing, arm wrestling, looking for sea glass or other beach objects, card tricks, or playing crazy games on the front porch. He especially enjoyed teaching and passing along his knowledge on an individual basis. It is our family’s hope that the many memories of Bob will be shared forever by all who loved him. In honor of our beloved “Bob”, “Dad”, “Pop”, “Bro-Man”, may we all be more positive, grateful, and kind. Bob leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Christine M. (nee Mizas), four children, Christine L. Abrams, Robert E. Kropp (Johanna), Matthew C. Kropp (Diana), and Samantha J. Grzywacz (Carl); eight grandchildren, Brice and Carly Abrams, Owen, Tyler, Cassidy, Bobby, and Chloe Kropp, and Blair Grzywacz; a brother and sister both predeceased, Edward and Linda, sisters Leigh Hassano (George) and Jacqueline Miloff (Jeff); his “Bro-Man” Ed Mizas; his “Bro-Man” Bob Mizas and wife Rosemary; brother-in-law Charlie Mizas in Denver; many loving nieces and nephews; and last but not least the many pups he was “Pup-Pop” to: Miss Penny, Phoebe, Douglas, and Mochi. Friends and family are invited to attend a Visitation from 8:15 to 9:15am at Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home located at 101 North Park Avenue, Trooper, PA 19403 on Saturday, January 30th, 2021, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1260 S. Trooper Road, Eagleville, PA 19403. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks a contribution be considered in Robert’s name to JDRF (www.jdrf.org) or Philabundance (www.philabundance.org). Condolences my be made by visiting www.meyersfh.com.