Robert Frank Pencek, 70, of Fair Hill, MD, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at his residence. Rob was born May 4, 1943 in Brooklyn, NY. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Mele) Pencek and the son of the late Adolph and Thelma Pencek. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Jeanette Biddle (Bob), sister-in-law, Carolyn McCorquodale (David), brothers-in-law, Michael A. Mele, Jr. (Suzannah), Robert Mele (Barbara), nieces and nephews, Jenny (Biddle) McGee, Kenneth Biddle, John Biddle, Kelly (Biddle) Burton, David M. McCorquodale, Matthew McCorquodale, Suzanne (McCorquodale) McKenzie and Michael A. Mele, III. He is also survived by his cousins and many friends. Rob was preceded in death by his son, Robert F. Pencek, II in 2011.

Rob graduated from Bohemia Manor High School in Chesapeake City, MD and later attended the University of Delaware. Drafted in 1966 into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War Era, Rob trained as a radio signalman. He married his sweetheart, Kathleen, on May 12, 1978. Rob was employed by General Motors, working in the body shop in quality control, retiring after 31 years. Along with his wife, Rob also owned and operated a successful motel business in Wildwood Crest, NJ for 16 years.

Having grown up along the Elk River in Port Herman, MD, Rob loved fishing and boating. He especially enjoyed playing cowboys and Indians and watching western movies with his cousins on the farm at Aunt Helen’s. Rob loved Aunt Helen’s galumpkies and lemon meringue pies. He also enjoyed going out for milk shakes and malts with his dad. Born with artistic talent, he enjoyed drawing cartoons. Rob loved animals, especially his dogs, Brandy and Sheila. Rob enjoyed spending winters in sunny Florida and liked going to auctions to look for that perfect treasure.

Rob loved cruising in his classic cars and on his motorcycles. He absolutely loved car shows, pointing out to his wife the make and model of the cars and all the engine types and parts. Listening to music, especially the oldies of the 50s and 60s was a favorite pastime of Rob’s.

Most of all, Rob particularly loved watching ballgames and playing basketball with his best buddy, his son, Robert.

Rob attended Grace Bible Chapel and enjoyed singing the old classic hymns that he sang as a child at Town Point Methodist Church in Port Herman.

With a fun-loving personality, Rob could be zany and silly at times, making funny faces or suddenly bursting into song, but he could also be quiet and pensive – he loved listening to the sound of rain on the roof on a summer afternoon or the thunderous roar of the ocean waves.

Rob will be remembered as a loving husband, father, devoted uncle and friend. To Rob, there were no strangers, only friends he had not yet met. He treasured his friends, giving hugs liberally. Our hearts are broken as we mourn Rob’s passing; he will remain in our hearts forever. We will remember his beautiful smile, his loving personality, and his heart of gold.

A celebration of Rob’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Grace Bible Chapel, 1949 Biggs HWY, Rising Sun, MD, where family and friends may arrive beginning at 10:30 a.m.. Burial will follow at Sharps Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made payable to Union Hospital of Cecil County or to the Robert F. Pencek, II memorial fund at Grace Bible Chapel and sent in care to R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, MD 21911.