Robert C. “Bob” Svedberg, 84, passed away at Provision Living in East Lansing, Mich., on Feb. 7, 2023. Born in McKeesport, Pa., on Christmas Day in 1938, he was a very special gift to his parents, Robert and Edna (Hallberg) Svedberg. He was involved in many activities during his school days, including yearbook editor and tuba player in the marching band, where he took a fancy to the love of his life, Miriam Watson. Among other scholarships and honors while attending North Huntington High School (now Norwin), he was chosen as a delegate to Boys Nation and had the opportunity to meet President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University), and promptly married the beautiful Miriam Watson on Sept. 3, 1960. They had their first daughter, Anne, in Philadelphia, Pa., while Bob pursued a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. His postdoctoral work at Queens College in London, England, afforded them the opportunity to tour Europe on a budget in a red VW Beetle with a tent, a toddler and a mother-in-law! A noted scientist, engineer, researcher and inventor, he worked at the Westinghouse Astronuclear Laboratory in Large, Pa., where he published multiple research papers and was granted patents for a vacuum foil insulation system (1976) and an oxidation resistant niobium alloy (1989). Bob and Miriam made their home in Elizabeth Township, where his son, Rob and daughter, Lynne were born. A job change led them to the Ann Arbor, Mich., area where he was granted patents for graded porosity artery for alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cells (1999) and heat shields for alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cells (1999). Bob and Miriam eventually retired in Michigan, and they enjoyed fishing and boating along the Huron River chain of lakes. Bob was a follower of Jesus Christ and loved serving God with his many gifts. He was an accomplished organist and choir director and served on church boards and building committees through the years. He helped Calvary Assembly in North Huntingdon, Pa., and New Hope Assembly of God in Elizabeth, Pa., build their sanctuaries while producing cantatas and playing organ for Sunday services. He was also part of a family corporation that developed Stonebridge Estates in North Huntingdon, Pa., with Miriam’s brothers, David and Harry. His grandchildren brought tremendous fullness and joy to his life. From attending Andrew and AJ’s baseball games to watching Jake and Joe waterski and play soccer, or traveling to New England for Grace and Sam’s birthday parties, he didn’t want to miss a single accomplishment. He wanted to make as many memories as possible while ensuring the next generation was well acquainted with “Pap-Pap” jokes. Traveling was one of his favorite pastimes. Family camping trips to Stone Harbor, N.J. and Sandbridge, Va., and summer RV tours in the Western U.S. and Canadian Rockies brought joy in the ’70s and ’80s. Memories with friends and family on Canadian and Alaskan fishing trips and European tours were made in the ’90s and 2000s. A romantic tour of Australia was particularly memorable for a kiss he shared with Miriam at the top of the bridge over Sydney Harbor. After he lost his beloved Miriam to cancer in 2007, he took several solo excursions, including an African safari and a memorable visit with missionary friends. His caregivers at Crosaires in Williamston, Mich., and Provision Living in East Lansing, Mich., as well as his amazing hospice team, always looked forward to seeing Bob’s big smile and hearing his puns and one-liners. His sweet, content spirit and calm demeanor made everyone feel welcome and loved. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Miriam Gail Watson Svedberg; and brother-in-law, Harry Watson. He is survived by sister, Judy (Brooks) Van Dyke of Los Angeles, Calif.; daughter, Anne (David) Miranda of Perry, Mich.; son, Robert (Maria Mollise) Svedberg of Atlanta, Ga.; and daughter, Lynne (John) Michaelson of Cranston, R.I.; grandchildren, Andrew and AJ Miranda, Jacob and Joseph Svedberg and Grace and Samuel Michaelson. He also leaves behind beloved in-laws, business partners and fishing buddies, David and Rebecca Watson, Bobbie Watson and nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received at BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES INC., 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, Pa., from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, with a service at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, with burial following at The Verona Cemetery – Oakmont. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (https://lustgarten.org) or Be An Icon Creative Arts Network (https://www.creativeicons.tv/support).
