Robert E. Gearing

Robert E. Gearing passed away peacefully at his home in Yardley on Sept. 11, 2020.  He was 92 years old.

Robert is survived by Jane, his wife of 64 years, son Robert E. Gearing II (Terry Gearing), daughters Denita Joy Gearing, Heidi Gearing, grandchildren Madeline Butterly (Trevor Body), Dr. Mary Gearing (Owen Guldner), Dennis Butterly (James Barnes), Shannon Butterly and great-grandson Jasper Barnes Butterly.

Robert was born in Uniontown, PA on August 19, 1928.  He went to Latrobe, PA High School, along with Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers of TV fame), and Arnold Palmer (the golf champion).  He regaled the family with innumerable stories about the two famous legends.

Robert served in the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged in 1948.  He graduated from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA,  and received his Doctorate in Social Studies from Montclair State in NJ.  Mr. Gearing taught Social Studies in Maplewood, South Orange, NJ for over 25 years and worked for the US Postal Service in Maplewood from 1956-1981.  He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a member of Holy Trinity Church in Morrisville, PA.

Robert shared his birthday with Mickey Mouse.  Disney world was one of his favorite places to go for thirteen years while he had a vacation home in West Palm Beach, FL.  He also visited the Disneyland parks in Paris and Hong Kong.

Robert loved the outdoors, and was a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, hiked the trail in the fourteen states it traverses, and twice climbed Mt. Katahdin, the Northern terminus in Maine.  He traveled extensively to Russia, China, Africa, Germany, England, France, The Netherlands, Italy, Israel, and skied all the Alps.

Robert lived a joyful, glorious and productive life and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a private Memorial Mass celebrated at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Morrisville, followed by interment with military honors in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel, Morrisville, PA.