Robert E. Deats, age 79, longtime resident of Cinnaminson, NJ, passed on April 2, 2024.

Bob was born in Easton, PA to the late Gertrude (nee' O'Connor) and Earle Deats, and was raised in Phillipsburg, NJ. He attended Spring Garden Institute of Technology (SGIT), Philadelphia, for two years where he earned a degree in auto mechanics. His instructors at SGIT encouraged him to go into the teaching field, which led him to attend Trenton State College (The College of New Jersey) where he earned his bachelor's degree in Education. Following college, Bob remained in New Jersey living in Rancocas and Cherry Hill, before settling in Cinnaminson in 1976.

Bob began his teaching career with the Cinnaminson School District where he remained for his entire 35-year career. He taught at Cinnaminson High School for all those years where he was the head of the Industrial Arts Programs, teaching Auto Shop, Metal Shop, Print Shop and Drafting for many years, transitioning to Graphic Arts, Photography, Audi-Visual/Television Production and Photography.

During his tenure at Cinnaminson High School, Bob was very involved with his students and the many programs at the school. For many years Bob was the Stage Manager for all the school plays and concerts where he would work with students to help design and build the sets, handle the lighting and sound production and he would play the organ. Bob would also use the school's print shop to publish the Playbills and Commencement Ceremony Programs.

Together with three other Skippers, Bob also helped to lead the Cinnaminson/Delran Sea Scouts from the mid-1970's until 1981. Bob dedicated many hours to rebuilding the engines and restoring the boats that had been donated to the Chapter, all while introducing many young students, male and female, to the world of boating. Throughout his years teaching at Cinnaminson High School, and through his involvement with Sea Scouts, he inspired several of his students to seek careers in the Coast Guard, teaching, automotive service and even mechanical engineering.

Bob was a talented craftsman who accomplished many restoration projects. Bob successfully restored many antique and classic cars, taking them fully apart, rebuilding every component and reassembling them to perfection. Many of his restorations went on to win numerous national awards in judged competitions. He built his own "hot-rod", a 1948 Ford Coupe, and later turned his attention to Model T Fords. Bob also successfully restored many player pianos, refinishing every aspect and getting them back to perfect working order.

Bob also used his skills to support Habitat For Humanity for many years, where he helped build several homes. Bob was a longtime active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Palmyra, NJ. He volunteered much of his time at the church to help with maintenance and repairs, served on many committees, and would teach at the Vacation Bible School every summer. He was always helping others, taking the opportunity to teach valuable skills when he could. He had a great love for dogs, having many throughout his life, and most of all he loved his family.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Earle Deats, his brother-in-law, Paul Oettel, and niece, Sarah Oettel. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42-years, Roseann Deats (nee' Shannon), his loving children, Jennifer Weston and husband Greg, Robin Macauley and husband John, Scott Cassidy and wife Wendy, Lori Leech and husband Steve, and by his dear grandchildren, Erin Weston, Jack, Logan, Chase and Audrey Macauley, Rylee and Colin Cassidy, and Abby Leech. Bob is also survived by his sister, Kathy Oettel, his niece, Samantha Damian, and by many extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by his funeral service at 3:00 PM, all at Bethany Lutheran Church, on the corner of Broad Street & Morgan Avenue, Palmyra, NJ 08065. Burial service will follow immediately in the Church Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Bethany Lutheran Church, 617 Morgan Avenue, Palmyra, NJ 08065 in his honor. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with his family at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com  Arrangements by the Weber Funeral Home, 112 Broad St., Riverton, NJ 08077 (856-829-2700)