Robert S. Lathrop (Bob), of Wilmington, Delaware returned to his Lord on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.

Bob was born on April 6, 1938 in Addison, NY. He grew up in Smethport, PA and graduated from Smethport High School in 1957. He proudly served in the United States Army from June 1960 until May 1963.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bob continued his education at Lock Haven State College, graduating in 1966, and further earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois in 1970.

Bob married his loving wife, Darlene Hess, on September 3,1960, and they moved to Delaware in 1966 where he taught physical education and drivers education at Brandywine High School until his retirement in 2000.

Bob loved the great outdoors and was an avid gardener, fisherman, and hunter. He enjoyed sharing his garden harvest with family and friends every year and teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish and hunt. Bob was a good friend and neighbor, as well as a gifted storyteller.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and several nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, three children Steven (Michelle) Lathrop, Ronda (Michael) Kolesar, and Leslie (Abdeslam) Bennani; seven grandchildren: Michael (Kolesar), Jared, Caleb, and Noah (Lathrop), and Adam, Ryaan, and Sara (Bennani); and one great-granddaughter Brooklyn (Lathrop).

Memorial service will be held at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803) on Saturday, April 13 at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675