Robert E. Dinsmore, 97, of Westfield, NJ passed away peacefully at Father Hudson House (Center for Hope Hospice) in Elizabeth, NJ on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.
Born in Brogue, PA on November 9, 1919, to Harry and Clara Gipe Dinsmore, Bob lived in Brogue, PA and graduated from Red Lion High School in 1936. He graduated in 1940 from Lebanon Valley College with a bachelor's degree in accounting and the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania with his M.B.A. in 1946.
Bob enlisted and served in the U.S. Army in 1942 and was honorably discharged with Good Conduct medal and three bronze stars, in 1945. He served on the Quartermaster Exhibit Team and was later stationed with the Army Signal Corps in Corsica. He participated in the Quartermaster Exhibit of the Army War Show in December, 1942 during which he met and spoke to First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, who upon observing his demonstration of the steam kettle said, "You will go very far, young man!"
Bob is predeceased by his wife of 28 years, Mildred Morris Dinsmore, his parents, Harry and Clara Gipe Dinsmore, and his brother, Dale V. Dinsmore.
He is survived by his daughters, Karen Dinsmore of Westfield and Susan Dinsmore Kassel, his son-in-law, Russell J. Kassel of Yorktown VA, granddaughter Katrina J. Kassel and her husband, Daniel Impson of Norfolk, VA, grandson Scott C. Kassel of Yorktown, VA and great-grandson, Wesley Aleksandr Impson, as well as his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Dinsmore of Brogue, PA and his nephews, their spouses, children and grandchildren, and his best friend Thelma (Mickey) Asakawa (John) of Vero Beach, FL and his cat companion, Allie.
Bob met his wife Mildred in New York City, where they wed at the Waldorf Astoria in 1960. They lived in Westfield from 1960 to 1963. After moving to Mountain View, California for three years, they returned to Westfield in 1966, as a family of four, and Bob remained there for the remainder of his life. He retired in 1986 from a position he remembered fondly, as Manager of Office Administration for Amstar Corporation (Domino Sugar) after 36 years.
Bob was a stalwart caregiver of his late wife, Mildred; a dedicated father who moved his daughters multiple times into new dorm rooms and apartments; a proud grandfather and new great grandfather; a loyal and cherished companion to his best friend Mickey; and a nurturer of countless dogs, cats and birds. He set a fine example throughout his life, thanking his daughter Karen and his caregivers until his last day. In 31 years since his retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family, driving across the country several times. He was an excellent correspondent, sending post cards from every stop. He enjoyed his record number of trips to Walt Disney World, Williamsburg, VA; his African safari following the loss of his wife; and his trip to Italy with his daughter Karen at age 85. Bob enjoyed his time walking and eating breakfast every day at Perkins with Mickey; his visits with his family; watching his Oakland (formerly Philadelphia) Athletics and his Yankees and cuddling his stuffed beanies or his adopted dog, Nick and feline companion, Allie.
Funeral services will be private. Bob will be interred next to Mildred in Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge, NJ.
The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at Father Hudson House for their devotion, admiration and care to Robert. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made in Bob's name to Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.