Robert John Stumpf, 74

January 29, 2024

Robert John Stumpf, beloved husband, father, coach, brother and Grandguy, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024 at the age of 74, with his family by his side. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bob was the loving husband of Susie Light Stumpf. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 1, 2024. They were married at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church where they began their story, raising their five children in Lancaster, PA. Susie was the best part of him. And he knew marrying her was the best decision he made in his entire life. The devotion and deep love she had for him, and they had for each other, was seen, and felt by all around them. That same devotion to him carried him through his darkest days the last 15 years, where she never left his side, caring for him night and day until the very end.

Bob was so loved by many. He was a devout catholic and a man of deep faith, despite all the tribulations life threw his way. He proudly raised all his children in Sacred Heart parish and supported them through Lancaster Catholic High School. He never missed his weekly mass. In the early years, you would see him and his five kids walking down the aisle to the front rows every Sunday. In the later years, you could count on seeing him every Saturday evening as head usher, a job he was so very proud to hold.

Bob proudly owned and operated Stumpf’s Food for 31 years. At his building at 20 Millersville Rd, you would always find his well-known Volvo (affectionately known as Big Blue) parked outside, and at least one of his kids helping around the store, sorting baseball cards, or checking customers out at the register. He always had a cheerful greeting and a big smile for anyone who walked through those doors. He poured his heart and soul into his business, devoting so many long hours and hard work to make it successful. He truly loved what he did every single day, and we all admire him so much for that.

A life-long sports enthusiast, his love was Major League Baseball. So much that he turned his hobby of collecting baseball cards into part of his business. He was a die-hard fan of both the LA Dodgers and Notre Dame football, and he never missed a game. If he couldn’t watch it on TV, you can bet he had his little silver AM radio tuned in and turned up loud. The Notre Dame fight song became a familiar sound to all who knew him. He shared his love of the game with his children and created many memories with them seeing games at both Camden Yards and the Vet.

That passion and love for the game of baseball led to his life-long second career as a coach. Coach Stumpf started coaching girls’ softball for St. Leo the Great in 1974 and continued that role for the next 26 years. He coached hundreds of girls, including all four of his daughters through the years. Winning so many games, championships, tournaments, state tournaments, and even taking his team to Nationals. His dedication to the game and to his players was admired by all. He touched the lives of everyone he coached. He was always remembered by his hard work ethic, his never give up attitude, and his four non-negotiables: “never say the word can’t”, “never stop running before first base”, “don’t walk off my field” and “practice makes permanent” (Also getting thrown out of games for arguing with the Ump). He took every opportunity to help make his players better. He had a gift for coaching, and anyone who was lucky enough to play under him, came out both a better player and a better person.

He continued his gift of coaching at Lancaster Catholic High School as the Strengthening and Agility coach. The years he spent training athletes there was something he loved and was so passionate about, teaching the same values in which he lived by. He had a true connection to the students, and just as in coaching softball, he was able to positively influence hundreds of lives. He invested in his students like no other coach did and pushed them to know they can always do better, they can always improve, and to never doubt themselves. Many of his former students have come back to say what a difference he had made in their life, and how he had such a positive rippling effect on every area of their lives so many years later. He was known at Lancaster Catholic by his cheerful greetings welcoming students down the hall outside the weightroom from the early morning hours to long after dark.

In 2014 he was honored by being inducted into the hall of fame at Lancaster Catholic High School. That night was such a proud moment for him, to be recognized for all his hard work, his dedication, his commitment, and his tenacity to always do better. His picture hangs in the halls to this day, and his family couldn’t be prouder.

As busy as Bob was being a husband, father, business owner and coach, he also was a loving, loyal friend to many. Through the years, Bob and Susie would spend every Saturday night they could out together dancing with their friends. If there was an oldies band playing, you would find them on the dance floor spinning their moves. Bob was the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He would do anything for someone he loved. He cherished the close friendships he had, enjoyed every minute he spent with them and truly loved and appreciated all of them. He got to create some of his best memories with his favorite people because of those friendships. With his favorite sidekick Ronnie by his side, they shared some of the best times together. Ronnie is the truest lifelong friend, being by his side to the very end, and he was so lucky to have him.

Bob was also the oldest of nine children. He took his big brother role very seriously, and all though his life made sure he was always there in some way for each of his siblings. He truly loved spending holidays and Sundays with them all through his years. Watching his close relationship with his family and hearing all their stories was a favorite memory he passed on to his kids. One of six boys, he is survived by three loving sisters: Jeannie, Mary, and Joan. They loved their brother and were a constant in his life throughout all his years.

To Bob’s five kids, Jen, Kristen, Meghan, Ryan, Kasey, he is Dad. They all started their journey with him at 528, and the foundation for who they all are today came from him. He was first and foremost a family man. His family was the core of his identity. And just like his coaching, he instilled in them the importance of hard work, discipline, and to always keep trying until you do your best. But he also made sure they knew the importance of family time. Sunday dinners were like a sacrament that you did not miss, and birthdays were always a big celebration. Family vacations were every year and holidays in the Stumpf house were done with a bang! His love and proudness he had for his kids was always known. The traditions he felt so passionate about will continue on with his family for generations to come.

In his later years, the most important role to Bob, was one that was given to him 23 years prior. A little boy who couldn’t quite pronounce his words, one day looked at him and called him g-guy. And from that day forward, GrandGuy was born. Out of all the roles he played in his life, this was the one he was MOST proud. The love he had for each, and every one of his 10 grandchildren is immeasurable. Watching him evolve in this role was such an honor. He never missed a birthday, a graduation, a game, or a school concert or play. From building block towers, buried in leaves, chasing them around the house, sneaking them snacks, playing catch, dancing around the kitchen to one of his oldie’s songs with them, never missing a face time video, to making memories on the beach, he was determined to be the best grandparent to them all. These memories have made a lasting impact in all their lives. Gabriel, Roman, Laila, Ava, Alia, Aria, Eric, Evie, Livia, and Ben – He was so very proud of each and every single one of them. And every time he had the chance to, he would be sure they knew. He left a lasting imprint in their hearts, and that will live on forever with them.

Those in Bob’s life were so lucky to love and know him. He will be forever missed, and his passing has left an empty place in all our hearts. We take peace in knowing he is with the ones he loves, and he is whole again. Until we see you again, don’t slam those cupboards, drive gently, and don’t take any wooden nickels!

We all love you so much!

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brianna Nicole, and his brothers, Jack, Tom, Bill, Rick, and Ted.

Friends and family will be received from 10AM to 11AM on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

A Funeral Mass will follow beginning at 11AM. A luncheon will be held after the services in the lower church, where the family will be showing a slideshow and sharing some of Bob’s favorite songs. All are encouraged to stay.

Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions in Bob’s honor to Hospice of Central PA, (hospiceofcentralpa.org) or to Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org/donate/).

Watch the tribute video