Robert Kowtko

Robert M. Kowtko, 80, of Nazareth, PA, formerly of McCormick, SC, and Hackettstown, NJ, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hecktown Oaks after waging a battle against cancer this past year. He is the beloved husband of Darlene Kowtko (Cressman) to who he was married to for 20 years. Born in Newark, NJ, Robert was a son of the late Michael and Mary Potasnik Kowtko.

Robert was a graduate of New Jersey Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He held various engineering management positions with companies such as Gould (batteries), Annin & Co. (flags). He worked as the Director of Engineering for Binney & Smith Crayola and VP Engineering for RoseArt (art products). Robert was a member of Schoeneck Moravian Church - Nazareth, PA and Lutheran Church by the Lake - McCormick, SC.

Robert was an advocate for conservation and the outdoors, finding solace on the waters he so dearly loved. Robert's love for fly fishing and tying flies was a defining aspect of his life, reflecting his appreciation for nature's beauty and his meticulous attention to detail. He was also an avid baseball fan, with a special devotion to the New York Yankees, and took great joy in watching college football games. His passion for learning and exploring new ideas knew no bounds, as demonstrated by his love for reading about anything and everything.

In addition to his wife, he will be missed by his children: Gregory Kowtko, of Bloomfield, NJ, Brian Kowtko, of Gray, ME and Melissa Benbrook, of Hackettstown, NJ; grandson: Christopher Benbrook; sister: Joanne Huber of Waymart, PA. Robert was predeceased by a brother: Donald Kowtko. Not to be forgotten are his dog Ginger Belle and cat Maggie Belle who miss him greatly.

Celebration of Life will be held at Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth, PA as well as at the final interment in the columbarium of the Lutheran Church by the Lake, McCormick, SC. Dates are being finalized.

Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net. Arrangements and cremation care are under the direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Schoeneck Moravian Church - 316 N Broad St Ext, Nazareth, PA 18064 or the Humane Society of McCormick County, Inc., P.O. Box 900, McCormick, SC 29835.