Robert Nestel

Robert (Bob) Nestel, who loved to be called “Dad” and “Grandpa”, departed his loving family on July 15, 2022.

Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA, on August 3, 1938 to Charles and Mildred (Brinkworth) Nestel.  He attended Frankfurt High School, graduating in 1956.  Bob was a veteran of the Air Force, where his love of photography led him to top secret work with the U-2 spy program.  Later, he told many stories of planes circling the globe at significant altitude and photographing Cold War sites.  During that program, he had the opportunity to meet John Glenn.  He went on to attend Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating in 1964 with a degree in photographic and scientific engineering.   There he met his future wife, Susan Louise Johnson.  They were married in 1967.

After RIT, he worked at Philco-Ford in Philadelphia, PA; at RCA in Trenton, NJ; at Harris Semiconductor in Melbourne, FL; and at Photronics in Danbury, CT.  Bob told stories of revolutionary technology decisions he saw throughout his career:  laying on the floor looking up into a machine with Henry Ford Jr, who wanted to understand exactly how to manufacture products at the micron level (less than the width of a human hair), or the decision of Beta vs VHS.  He continued to work on cutting-edge technology throughout his career.

His hobbies included photography, history, trains, and the stock market.

Bob was father to James (Patricia), Mark (Michele), and Scott (Sara). He raised his children with love and devotion in San Jose CA, Doylestown PA, Melbourne FL, and New Fairfield CT.  Bob is survived by his 3 children, and 6 grandchildren (Maddie, Lincoln, Liam, Sebastian, Simon, and Samuel).  He loved to play checkers, learn about what they were doing in math, and eat ice cream and peach pie with them.

Bob was diagnosed with cancer earlier in 2022.  We would like to thank the Atrium Health Pallative Care Team for their patience, understanding, and complete support of Bob and our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anne Springs Close Greenway Bridge Program in Bob’s name.