Obituaries
Robert F. Dettrey, 87
December 12, 2024
Robert F. Dettrey, 87, of New Providence, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital with his family by his side on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Bob shared 60 years of marriage with his wife Cheryn L. (Markley) Dettrey.
Born in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Edward and Martha (Schmitt) Dettrey. He graduated from Central Bucks High School and completed radio broadcasting school.
Bob served in the US Army during peacetime obtaining the rank of SGT. He then spent a career on the radio, at WRAW in Reading, WLAN FM 97 Radio in Lancaster from 1963 to 1978, and then WRKZ Z107 in Elizabethtown and I105 WIOV in Ephrata. Following retirement from radio, he worked as a clerk for the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years.
Bob Was an Eagles fan, and he coached Willow Street little league football. He formerly was an active parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
In addition to his wife Cheryn, Bob’s family includes their daughter Tracy Dettrey-Myers, wife of Rodney of Lancaster, son Mark Robert Dettrey, husband of Wendy of Willow Street, four grandchildren, Ryan Dettrey, Bryn and Austin Stief, and Tristin Thomas, two great-grandchildren Milan and Ella Stief, and his brother Richard Dettrey. His grandson Clay Stief preceded Bob in death.
Services will be private.
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Condolences to the Family
January 03, 2025
Cheryn, Stef and I are saddened to hear of Bobs passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Wanda Phelan
December 17, 2024
So sorry about the passing of this sweet man. He always had a smile and a warmth about him. Sending hugs and love to your family.
Samantha Kendig
December 17, 2024
Cheryn,
I am heartbroken to hear this. Condolences are inadequate to express how I am feeling. I am very glad I got to speak to Bob again in May.
Not only was he my godfather but a wonderful person to be around. When he and dad would get together it would always be gut busting laughter for hours on end.
I tried to reach him on Sunday before I heard about this.
Mom joined him and dad on Sunday December 15,2024. The world significantly dimmed these last five days.
When you hear rumbles from Heaven please know the three of them are laughing it up again and getting everyone else to join in.
May you find peace and solace knowing that he brought joy and laughter to everyone he touched.
Love and prayers to you and your family.
John De Hart
December 16, 2024
Cheryn
My deepest sympathy, for your loss, to you and your family.
Wayne Fahnestock
December 15, 2024
Cheryn,sorry to hear of your loss!
Charlie Cromwell
December 15, 2024
To the Dettrey family,
My sincere and deepest sympathy on the passing of Bob. I was so privledged to work for and with Bob in radio for a lot of years. He first hired me in 1971 and for 53 years I called him my friend. I have a lot of fond memories over the years. He will be greatly missed by me and everyone who knew Bob. May God comfort your hearts at this difficult time.
John Witwer
December 15, 2024
Bob was the DJ at the YWCA Lounge dances in the sixties. I have so many wonderful memories of him back then. He would always keep us laughing as he played our favorite songs. Thanks for making those years some of the best times in my life. Remembering you with love!
Margaret Hottenstein
December 15, 2024
I had the pleasure working with Bob at WLAN from 1968-1972. He was professional in every way and a great guy to work with. He gave me my break in radio and I will never forget him and his laid back demeaner. I pray for the family at this time and hope that time will heal your loss. God’s blessing.
Larry (Gardner – radio name) Greineder
