Robert F. Gotwald, 80, of Hamilton, passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton. Born in Langhorne, PA, he was a graduate of Neshaminy High School and joined the US Army in 1964. A Specialist 5th class, Robert, or "Little Bob" as he was affectionately called, was an accomplished bowler and walked away with the All Events "crown" -- and the door prize-- in the Annual US Army Communication Zone, Europe Male Military Bowling Tournament. Little Bob, who stands 5 feet -- without combat boots-- competed against top bowlers of the Communication Zone, which extended from south-western France to Bremerhaven, Germany on the North Sea. He completely "liquidated" all competition in the 21-game roll-off with a total pinfall of 3960 and a 188.5 average for the tournament. The second-place kegler was 79 pins behind him. He was also the first left-handed bowler at Fairlanes in Fairless Hills to bowl a 300.

Bob retired after 25 years of service as a product coordinator for RCA Aerospace in Hightstown. A jeweler by hobby, after his retirement, Bob opened his own jewelry store, Worldwide Creations in Hamilton. The shop closed in 2020. Besides bowling, Bob loved fishing and golfing. He was a member of the Mercer County Senior Softball League and was the pitcher for his jewelry store team. Past president of the Mercer County Gideons and a Deacon and dedicated member of the Faith Baptist Church of Hamilton, Bob was very active with several Church committees. He was also an avid Phillies and Eagles fan.

Son of the late William and May Gotwald, Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Phyllis; his brother, William Gotwald, and his partner, Lois Fisch of Sarasota, Fl; his sister, May Sweeney of Warminster, PA; his brother-in-law, Leonard Dix of Hamilton; his nieces, Kelly Sobon of San Diego, CA, Heather Fertig of Warminster, PA, Kymry Gotwald of Orlando, FL, and Glynis Ford of New York City: his great nephew, Nicholas Gotwald of Orlando, FL, his special friends, Carolyn Harrison, Robert and Charlotte Tyger, and Joan Bellis, as well as other extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be held 11am on Friday, December 22nd at Faith Baptist Church 2111 Kuser Rd, Hamilton. A viewing will be held at the Church on Friday from 9am until the time of service. Entombment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum in Hamilton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to Faith Baptist Church, 2111 Kuser Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08690 ( fbcchurch.org ) or to Gideons International at www.gideons.org

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.