Robert H. Beach

Robert Herman (Bob) Beach, 78, of Willow Street, PA, died peacefully at Lancaster General Hospital surrounded by family on Thursday, April 3, 2025, after a brief illness. He was affectionately known to many as Uncle Bob, and “Shorty” to some. Bob was the son of the late Elwood A. Beach and Pearl E. (Smith) Beach. He is survived by a sister, Ruth Terrill of Willow Street, PA, a brother, Elwood Beach Jr. of Russell, PA, four nieces, Melanie Hickernell of Washington Boro, PA, Laura Gould of Weston, WV, Tracy Shreiner of East Petersburg, PA, and Heather Epstein of Weston, WV. He is also survived by three great-nieces, Megan Hickernell of York, PA, Kylie Shreiner of York, PA, and Cori Gould of Roanoke, WV; two great-nephews, Casey Gould of Willow Street, PA, and Daniel (DJ) Hickernell of Washington Boro, PA. Bob was also Uncle Bob to two great-great nieces and one great-great nephew. After graduating in 1963, he began working at R.R. Donnelley & Sons before being drafted into the Army in 1965. He was discharged in 1967 and returned to work at R.R. Donnelley’s Steel Way plant as a pressman, where he worked for over 30 years until retiring in 2001. During his younger years, Bob raced at Maple Grove Speedway, where he brought home many a trophy. He loved working on cars and did so for many family members and friends. If not at work, you could find Bob in one of his garages tinkering. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan. Bob generously provided a home for his paternal grandmother and his parents until their deaths. Special to him were his “kids”, his beloved beagles Ginger and Spice. Bob welcomed family and friends to his cabin along the Susquehanna River for boat rides, water skiing, fishing, picnics, pig roasts, and crab dinners. Many happy memories were made there and made possible by him. He was a selfless man. Family describes Bob as a simple man, a quiet man, and a private man. Not a huge presence, but constant and steadfast. He was like a second father in many ways to his nieces and the patriarch of the family. He was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, and even strangers. He gave generously to almost all the non-profit solicitations he received. He gave freely and lived simply and humbly. There will always be an absence in the family that only he could fill. “Rest in peace Bob, you are loved and will be missed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date; friends and family will be notified. A huge thank you to the LGH Neuro ICU nurses for their compassion and top-notch care.