Robert L. Lamberson, a resident of Swarthmore for 63 years, died peacefully at his home on June 5, 2021, six days short of his 96th birthday. He had been preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (to whom he was married for 70 years), as well as by his parents, Edward and Sara, his brother Edward, and his sister Dorothy.
Born in Chester, Robert grew up there and in Ridley Township, where he attended Ridley High School. After high school, in 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy’s V-12 officer training program, attending classes at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State. In November, 1945, having been commissioned as an ensign, he served as an assistant navigator on the U.S.S. Point Cruz until August 1946, when he was discharged and enrolled in Grove City College. In August 1948, he married Dorothy Johnson, and in 1949 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He and Dorothy had three children, Sallyann, Robert Jr., and David.
Robert worked as a chemical engineer at Staley Sta-Puf and American Viscose (in Marcus Hook). living with his young family in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Illinois. He then joined the FMC Corporation’s Avicel Division in Philadelphia, later becoming FMC’s director of international marketing. His job required him to travel throughout the world and, with his wife and two sons, he lived in Belgium for five years.
Robert enjoyed his travels: he was curious about culture and customs around the world. In Spain, he engaged in a bullfighting session and ran with the bulls in Pamplona. In Brazil, he tried parasailing, and enjoyed bargaining at local bazaars. He loved dogs and usually had at least one dog wherever he lived. He also enjoyed all kinds of music, especially jazz, big-band and folk music, and encouraged the musical interests and hobbies of his children and grandchildren.
Robert and his wife Dorothy were long-time members of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, which his children and two of his grandchildren also attended.
Robert is survived by his children, Sallyann Molloy (C. Terrence) of Runnemede, New Jersey; Robert of North Wales, Pennsylvania; and David (Paula) of Liverpool, New York. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Timothy Molloy (Deirdre), Brendan Molloy (Suzy), Theodore Molloy (Erica), Andrew Molloy, Sara Sinclair (Shawn), Robert Lamberson III, Thea Jeschke (Aaron), and Cameron Ellis Lamberson; and four great-grandchildren, Isaiah and David Jeschke, Ronan Molloy, and Boss Zuri Molloy.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name may be made to A Better Chance Strath Haven.
