Robert William Donald

Robert William Donald, age 76, of East Fallowfield, Pennsylvania, entered the pearly gates of Heaven on September 23, 2023, transitioning peacefully from his home.

Robert was born on March 12, 1947, to William and Josephine Donald. He shared his childhood with 5 sisters; Dorie, Betty Lou, Marleen, Donna, and Marianne. He was a fun-loving brother.  

Recruited from Lansdowne Aldan High School at the age of 17, Robert happily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from September 10, 1965 to September 9th, 1969. In the midst of active duty, he completed his GED in 1966. Robert bravely served 2 combat tours in the Vietnam War, with the rank of E-5 Sergeant, earning 6 military recognitions upon Honorable Discharge. Robert then became an avid member of the VFW Post 598, earning the title of Aide de Camp, where he honorably marched, Marine Corps Flag in hand, at the Bicentennial Ceremony of 1976. Moving out of area, he transferred to VFW Post 845 as a lifetime member.

Robert was a considerate giver and a helper above all, and his career path and activities encompassed these traits of genuine kindness, generosity, and self-sacrifice.

Career highlights include being a Serviceman for the Philadelphia Gas Works and a Master Plumber for Media Real Estate, where he assisted in the restoration of the historic Media Theater. He was also a Tradesman for various organizations. Robert worked to renovate the Lansdowne Bible Chapel, even orchestrating his own job as an audiovisual projectionist with the goal of community outreach. He served as a Beadle for the Blue Church, carrying the Bible down the aisle for Sunday services, and was a Sussex at Paoli Presbyterian Church. Always seeking to be helpful, he also volunteered his handyman skills to his family and friends.

On his free time, he enjoyed gardening, tinkering with his tools, building anything and everything, watching Fox News and Football, and quietly engaging in Bible study. He possessed a love of learning and confidently sought solutions to his tasks and curiosities, making his capabilities limitless. He cherished spending time with family by including them in his activities (so that they too could learn), hosting feast-worthy gatherings (filled with laugher and love) and offering his words of wisdom (not always what they wanted to hear but needed to hear).

His true passion and accomplishment in life was being a devoted, unwavering, and honorable father, period. His children can attest to the fact that he was, and always will be, the most empathetic, selfless, and unconditionally loving man that they will ever encounter in this lifetime. He always had said, “The proof is in the pudding,” and in this case, his “pudding” was pure perfection.

Robert was unbreakably loyal to his faith in God, his nurturing of family, and his acts of service toward others. When faced with life’s adversities, and there were many to say the least, the strength behind his courageous spirit was his trust in God. As he would say, “God is in control. Do your best and let God do the rest”. This motto fortified his willpower, determination, and drive in remaining humble to God’s purpose for him.  

Married to Dorothea Langhrer [Yoder] on September 30th, 1972, together they had 6 children: William, Loraine, Robert, Christel, Nathaniel, and Mary. From there, his lineage expanded to 19 grandchildren: Katrina, Natalie, Ashley, Ryan, Gavin, Dillon, Brian, Elijah, Rachel, Jonathan, Mary, Michael, Shane, Chase, Kenzie, Nathaniel, Gretchen, Asher, and Willow.

Survived by his sister Marianne, his wife Doris, all 6 of his children, 18 of his grandchildren, his cousin Ronald Townsend, and many nieces and nephews. To those left behind, remember that his worldly death is not a loss, but a victory for the glory of God.

Robert is now rejoicing in eternal life with the Lord, his mother and father, 4 of his sisters, his granddaughter Kenzie, and all other ancestors who predeceased him. After all, his last famous words would have been: “Smile.” … “Semper Fi.”

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in his memory.

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