Robert Ashcraft

Robert "Bob" "Pop" Dwight Ashcraft

August 13, 1952 – August 6, 2025

Robert Dwight Ashcraft, known affectionately as "Bob" by friends or "Pop" by his grandchildren, passed away on August 6, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just one week shy of his 73rd birthday. Born on August 13, 1952, at Kanawha Valley Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia, Bob lived a life marked by deep love for his family, unwavering resilience, and a relentless sense of humor. Bob earned his degree in Business Information Management with a minor in Mathematics from Kutztown University in 1980, a reflection of his lifelong passion for technology and learning. He built a long and accomplished career in the fields of information technology and cybersecurity, bringing a sharp mind and generous spirit to every project he touched. He created the first touch screen program for the restaurant industry in 1990, MFA in 1998, digital pen for government tracking in 2004. Bob had a deep love for music and could often be found tee-ing up for golf with his friends or family. He was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers and always had a dad joke at the ready. His passion for cars, especially BMWs, was only rivaled by his dedication to fitness and wellness, often waking up before dawn to hit the gym. Despite multiple surgeries and serious health challenges, Bob not only regained mobility several times over but thrived, participating in Spartan Races and powerlifting well into his later years.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Ashcraft of Upper Macungie, and his loving children and their families: Alvin Ashcraft and Stelene Greco of West Grove, PA, and their daughters Adrianna, Lucienne, and Rubina. Sonja Bell and her partner Corey Siegfried of McMurray, PA, and grandchildren Colby, Joshua, and Bea. Jothi Strohmetz and her husband Albert Strohmetz of Downingtown, PA. Alexis Soltis and her husband Scott Soltis of Northampton, PA, and grandchildren Mason Wolfe (fiancée Hannah Phillips) and Corbyn Wolfe Michael Ashcraft and Charlotte Ashcraft of Bethlehem, PA. Bob is also survived by his brother, John M. Ashcraft III, Esq., of Macungie, PA, and his children Emily Meyers, Julie O'Leary, and Andrea Klaverkamp, as well as by his sister, Helen Fenstermaker of Macungie, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Marion Ashcraft and Mary Helen (Skaggs) Ashcraft; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Ashcraft; and his brother-in-law, Clement Fenstermaker. Bob loved his dogs Brody and Gracie who were also his running and race partners. He never turned away kisses, cuddles and paws for affection from his granddogs Chewie, Duke, Ziki, Maycee, Zoey, Roscoe and Emery. He was preceded in death by his beloved dog Dylan.

Those who knew Bob will remember him for his unwavering strength, his generous spirit, and his infectious sense of humor. He had a special way of brightening a room: whether through a well-timed dad joke, a playful exchange with a waiter, or a friendly wave to strangers just to see who'd wave back. He always had a line ready. If you asked him, "What are you up to?" He'd say, "Oh, about five-foot-eight!" with a smile. Bob never let hardship define him. He faced every challenge, from surgeries to serious illness, with humor, optimism, and determination. Time and again, he overcame the odds, always moving forward with laughter and love. A dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club of Allentown, Bob believed deeply in community service, our youth, and giving back. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kiwanis Club of Allentown or your local Kiwanis chapter in his honor.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church 1879 Applewood Drive,  Orefield, Pennsylvania on what would have been Bob's 73rd birthday. Reception to follow, time and location to be determined.

His life was a testament to perseverance, playfulness, and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Local arrangements were handled by the Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home, Aspinwall, PA

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