WALKER, ROBERT C.

A funeral service was held Oct. 27 for Robert C. Walker III, 37. He passed away unexpectedly Oct. 18 at his home in Hoboken. He was born in Lebanon, Pa. to Ellen and William Walker of Myerstown, Pa. Survivors in addition to his parents include his uncles and aunts Robert C. and June Walker, Three Mile Point, N.Y., Allen Walker, Cape Vincent, N.Y., F. Michael and Karen Walker, Oswego, N.Y., Elaine Welch, Rochester, N.Y., George and Dorothy Matthews, Syracuse, N.Y. and Kwangshin Lee Matthews, Pittsburgh, Pa., and cousins Kevin (Barbara) Walker, Mark (Laurie) Walker, Suzanne (Michael) Zicari, Lowville, N.Y., Theresa Heagerty, Liverpool, N.Y., Scott (Leslie) Walker, Charlotte, N.C., Christopher (Laura) Walker, Charlotte, N.C., Michael (Celeste) Welch, Ashburn, Va., Steven Welch, Rochester, N.Y. and Susan Baida (John Mills) Pittsburgh, Pa., who were a part of his life. Numerous additional relatives of the Walker and Matthews families and close friends survive him. An earlier marriage ended in divorce.
Rob grew up at Tulpehocken Manor just outside of Myerstown. His early education occurred at Jackson Elementary School followed by Elco Middle and High Schools where he was graduated in 1993. He was confirmed in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in 1989 and served as an acolyte as a youth.
Rob had varied interests and talents, among them were tennis, having played on the Elco school tennis team for three years, and continued as recreation into recent years competing in local tournaments. As a youth, he became a certified Life Guard, volunteered in teaching children, and this became summer employment. He skied many eastern slopes. In recent years he kayaked and sailed on the Hudson River, and biked on the 26 mile NYC trail. He was a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles, followed the New York Jets, enjoyed Sirius Radio, and all public broadcasting.
He was accomplished at playing both the tenor and alto sax in the Elco Orchestra and marching band and sang in the Elco Chorus as well. He enjoyed cooking, especially for family and friends. He prepared holiday dinners for his family, to comfort friends, and for social gathering, often modifying recipes with his own creativity.
Rob was an accomplished writer, both in high school and at East Stroudsburg University, where he was graduated with degrees in English writing and Political Science. He rose from a staff writer and news editor to editor in chief of his college newspaper, the Stroud Courier. The newspaper became one of the finest college newspapers in the east. While in his junior year of college, Rob was appointed to the ESU Council of Trustees, effective September 1996 through September 2000 by Gov. Thomas J. Ridge, and represented the student view on the State University System of Higher Education through meetings in Harrisburg.
He also served as executive producer of ESU News, where he worked as a news anchor, copy and assignment editor. In addition, he was a co-host of Perspectives, a weekly talk show on WEES 90.3 FM.
In keeping with his interest in citizenship, he served as Minority Inspector of Elections for Jackson Township, Lebanon County, Pa. He was elected in 1993 for a four year term, and at that time was the youngest elected official in the history of Lebanon County.
He was the recipient of numerous university awards, including the Jim Barniak Award recognizing his outstanding work in the field of journalism, and the Presidential Service Award for Campus Work in 1994 and 1995. He is recognized on the ESU Walk of Fame.
After college, Rob entered the work world in New York City, working mainly in telecommunications. When economic cutbacks occurred, and his company downsized then eliminated his position, he formed a successful small business in Hoboken, in which he was active until his death. In addition, he was a freelance writer for commercial ventures. He enjoyed life and friends in Hoboken, and the companionship of his two rescued, adopted cats, Ben and Maddie. Services arranged by the Grose Funeral Home, Myerstown, Pa.
A Robert C. Walker III Scholarship at East Stroudsburg University is being founded as a memorial to him. Contact for charitable contributions to this fund is Gregory M. Wilson, East Stroudsburg University Foundation, Inc., 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. Office: 5704223718.