Robert “Bob” T. McAlpine, age 84, died Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Bob was born in Bryn Mawr, PA on March 6, 1936 to Thomas McAlpine and Ann Bell (Nickle) McAlpine. Bob graduated from Newark High School and the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He went on to earn his Master’sContinue Reading
Robert “Bob” T. McAlpine, age 84, died Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Bob was born in Bryn Mawr, PA on March 6, 1936 to Thomas McAlpine and Ann Bell (Nickle) McAlpine.
Bob graduated from Newark High School and the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in music from West Chester State University. Bob taught vocal music and general music for many years in the Christina School District.
A life-long member of First Presbyterian Church in Newark Bob was a member of the choir and was presently serving as a Deacon. He was Youth Choir Director of First Presbyterian Church in Newark for several years before serving as Church Choir Director at Peninsula-McCabe United Methodist Church in Wilmington for 44 years.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Jane, of 59 years.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 292 W. Main Street, Newark, DE on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. where family and friends may start visiting at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “First Presbyterian Church” and sent in care of R. T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.
Russ Crook
left a message on December 19, 2020:
Bob was a faithful friend and past president of the Blue Hen Touchdown Club. Our deepest condolences to Jane. Bob will be greatly missed. Peace.
wayne hill
left a message on December 8, 2020:
Bob was a fellow teacher at Central Middle Chool on Academy Street, Newark. What a wonderful time we had there; And what a great influence Bob provided on both the staff and student body. I really loved Bob and what he did to assist students. Sincerely, Wayne (Ann) Hill
Alison Matsen
left a message on December 2, 2020:
My name is Alison Keeney Matsen. I was a student of Bob's in Newark in the 1960's. He was a really good teacher, and introduced my class to opera. I have loved opera ever since, and have had season tickets to the Met Opera since 2004, largely due to his great enthusiasm for opera.
Anne Groo
left a message on November 29, 2020:
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob three times in my life:
As a child, he was my music teacher in the old Newark School District.
as a 40-something paraprofessional, he was my co-worker at Pulaski Intermediate School.
as a retiree, I would see him from time to time at the Newark Senior Center.
In all three areas, I knew him as a kind and friendly man who always greeted me with a smile. His death is a great loss for Newark.
As a child, he was my music teacher in the old Newark School District.
as a 40-something paraprofessional, he was my co-worker at Pulaski Intermediate School.
as a retiree, I would see him from time to time at the Newark Senior Center.
In all three areas, I knew him as a kind and friendly man who always greeted me with a smile. His death is a great loss for Newark.
Ed Kurtz
left a message on November 28, 2020:
Bob was a wonderful neighbor and we will miss him much. Ed and Denise Kurtz
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kimberley
left a message on November 28, 2020:
I will miss Bob's friendly wave and our little chats. He was a good neighbor.
Louise Dawson
left a message on November 27, 2020:
Tom's light is shining brightly in the hearts of his friends. Louise & Fred Dawson First Presbyterian Church, Newark
Marjorie Young Young
left a message on November 21, 2020:
So sorry for your loss. Your old neighbors from Gristmill Lane,Marge Young and Vicki, Daryl and David.
Cindy H
left a message on November 21, 2020:
Teachers touch so many lives. I have a vivid, poignant memory of rehearsing and singing Simon & Garfunkel's Sounds of Silence in the Central Middle School music room circa 1975. Thank you Mr. McAlpine for awakening the joy of creative expression in so many students. ♫
Janet A Facciolo-Riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I am very saddened to hear about Bob McAlpine's passing. I taught with Bob at Gauger, and we enjoyed our talks and laughter in the lunchroom.My fondest memory was our fun rivalry when we had morning bus duty in the winter. Whoever had the most "snow days" while on bus duty became "Snow Queen" at the end of the season. Bob made the "Snow Queen Crown" and we passed it back and forth for years! He was a wonderful colleague.
B. J. Apichella
left a message on November 20, 2020:
My deepest sympathy, especially to wife Jane, on the passing of Bob McAlpine. He was a wonderful neighbor who gave many years of service to his civic association. He always had a joke to tell, bringing smiles to his friends. He was an educator and a solid citizen of his community. He will be missed.
Carla Grygiel
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Carla and the staff of the Newark Senior Center
Janet A Facciolo-Riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I am very saddened to hear about Bob McAlpine's passing. I taught with Bob at Gauger, and we enjoyed our talks and laughter in the lunchroom.My fondest memory was our fun rivalry when we had morning bus duty in the winter. Whoever had the most "snow days" while on bus duty became "Snow Queen" at the end of the season. Bob made the "Snow Queen Crown" and we passed it back and forth for years! He was a wonderful colleague.
Janet Facciolo-riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I am very saddened to hear about Bob McAlpine's passing. I taught with Bob at Gauger, and we enjoyed our talks and laughter in the lunchroom.My fondest memory was our fun rivalry when we had morning bus duty in the winter. Whoever had the most "snow days" while on bus duty became "Snow Queen" at the end of the season. Bob made the "Snow Queen Crown" and we passed it back and forth for years! He was a wonderful colleague.
Janet Facciolo-riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Bob was a wonderful colleague when I taught at Gauger. I am saddened to hear about his passing.
Janet Facciolo-riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Bob was a wonderful colleague when I taught at Gauger. I am saddened to hear about his passing.
Shirley Kirk
left a message on November 20, 2020:
BOB was a dedicated teacher. He touched the lives of many young students.
Gail Russell
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Jane, I not inly enjoyed Bob as a music teacher in middle school at Central but has the privilege of about 15 years in the Scholarship Conmittee for the NHS Alumni Association, ending just 2 years ago. His insight, sense of humor and attention to detail was invaluable to our results. He will be missed❣
Naketta Buzzard Branch
left a message on November 20, 2020:
The teacher who meant the most to me; he was so kind and encouraging. His Mom was precious, too, and it makes me smile to think of them all together again.
Donna Godfrey
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. McAlpine. I appreciated having him as our middle school chorus director and music teacher. More recently, he could be found cheerfully serving breakfast as part of the Newark Lions Club Senior Center Spring/Fall fund raiser. It was of particular interest that he had published choral music and that he continued to share his joy of music with others. As the song goes Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn... Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light, Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home. With profound sympathy, Donna Godfrey and family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Gwen Hitchens-RoBison
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Mr. McAlpine, as I knew him, was my neighbor in Old Mill Manor, my music teacher at Newark High and my children's teacher at Gauger. He was a wonderful and kind man who will be greatly missed by those who were lucky to have known him.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Russ Crook
left a message on December 19, 2020:
Bob was a faithful friend and past president of the Blue Hen Touchdown Club. Our deepest condolences to Jane. Bob will be greatly missed. Peace.
wayne hill
left a message on December 8, 2020:
Bob was a fellow teacher at Central Middle Chool on Academy Street, Newark. What a wonderful time we had there; And what a great influence Bob provided on both the staff and student body. I really loved Bob and what he did to assist students. Sincerely, Wayne (Ann) Hill
Alison Matsen
left a message on December 2, 2020:
My name is Alison Keeney Matsen. I was a student of Bob's in Newark in the 1960's. He was a really good teacher, and introduced my class to opera. I have loved opera ever since, and have had season tickets to the Met Opera since 2004, largely due to his great enthusiasm for opera.
Anne Groo
left a message on November 29, 2020:
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob three times in my life:
As a child, he was my music teacher in the old Newark School District.
as a 40-something paraprofessional, he was my co-worker at Pulaski Intermediate School.
as a retiree, I would see him from time to time at the Newark Senior Center.
In all three areas, I knew him as a kind and friendly man who always greeted me with a smile. His death is a great loss for Newark.
As a child, he was my music teacher in the old Newark School District.
as a 40-something paraprofessional, he was my co-worker at Pulaski Intermediate School.
as a retiree, I would see him from time to time at the Newark Senior Center.
In all three areas, I knew him as a kind and friendly man who always greeted me with a smile. His death is a great loss for Newark.
Ed Kurtz
left a message on November 28, 2020:
Bob was a wonderful neighbor and we will miss him much. Ed and Denise Kurtz
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kimberley
left a message on November 28, 2020:
I will miss Bob's friendly wave and our little chats. He was a good neighbor.
Louise Dawson
left a message on November 27, 2020:
Tom's light is shining brightly in the hearts of his friends. Louise & Fred Dawson First Presbyterian Church, Newark
Marjorie Young Young
left a message on November 21, 2020:
So sorry for your loss. Your old neighbors from Gristmill Lane,Marge Young and Vicki, Daryl and David.
Cindy H
left a message on November 21, 2020:
Teachers touch so many lives. I have a vivid, poignant memory of rehearsing and singing Simon & Garfunkel's Sounds of Silence in the Central Middle School music room circa 1975. Thank you Mr. McAlpine for awakening the joy of creative expression in so many students. ♫
Janet A Facciolo-Riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I am very saddened to hear about Bob McAlpine's passing. I taught with Bob at Gauger, and we enjoyed our talks and laughter in the lunchroom.My fondest memory was our fun rivalry when we had morning bus duty in the winter. Whoever had the most "snow days" while on bus duty became "Snow Queen" at the end of the season. Bob made the "Snow Queen Crown" and we passed it back and forth for years! He was a wonderful colleague.
B. J. Apichella
left a message on November 20, 2020:
My deepest sympathy, especially to wife Jane, on the passing of Bob McAlpine. He was a wonderful neighbor who gave many years of service to his civic association. He always had a joke to tell, bringing smiles to his friends. He was an educator and a solid citizen of his community. He will be missed.
Carla Grygiel
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Carla and the staff of the Newark Senior Center
Janet A Facciolo-Riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I am very saddened to hear about Bob McAlpine's passing. I taught with Bob at Gauger, and we enjoyed our talks and laughter in the lunchroom.My fondest memory was our fun rivalry when we had morning bus duty in the winter. Whoever had the most "snow days" while on bus duty became "Snow Queen" at the end of the season. Bob made the "Snow Queen Crown" and we passed it back and forth for years! He was a wonderful colleague.
Janet Facciolo-riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I am very saddened to hear about Bob McAlpine's passing. I taught with Bob at Gauger, and we enjoyed our talks and laughter in the lunchroom.My fondest memory was our fun rivalry when we had morning bus duty in the winter. Whoever had the most "snow days" while on bus duty became "Snow Queen" at the end of the season. Bob made the "Snow Queen Crown" and we passed it back and forth for years! He was a wonderful colleague.
Janet Facciolo-riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Bob was a wonderful colleague when I taught at Gauger. I am saddened to hear about his passing.
Janet Facciolo-riter
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Bob was a wonderful colleague when I taught at Gauger. I am saddened to hear about his passing.
Shirley Kirk
left a message on November 20, 2020:
BOB was a dedicated teacher. He touched the lives of many young students.
Gail Russell
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Jane, I not inly enjoyed Bob as a music teacher in middle school at Central but has the privilege of about 15 years in the Scholarship Conmittee for the NHS Alumni Association, ending just 2 years ago. His insight, sense of humor and attention to detail was invaluable to our results. He will be missed❣
Naketta Buzzard Branch
left a message on November 20, 2020:
The teacher who meant the most to me; he was so kind and encouraging. His Mom was precious, too, and it makes me smile to think of them all together again.
Donna Godfrey
left a message on November 20, 2020:
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. McAlpine. I appreciated having him as our middle school chorus director and music teacher. More recently, he could be found cheerfully serving breakfast as part of the Newark Lions Club Senior Center Spring/Fall fund raiser. It was of particular interest that he had published choral music and that he continued to share his joy of music with others. As the song goes Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn... Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light, Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home. With profound sympathy, Donna Godfrey and family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Gwen Hitchens-RoBison
left a message on November 20, 2020:
Mr. McAlpine, as I knew him, was my neighbor in Old Mill Manor, my music teacher at Newark High and my children's teacher at Gauger. He was a wonderful and kind man who will be greatly missed by those who were lucky to have known him.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.