Robert E. Wisch, 86, of Pasadena, MD, joined his Father in Heaven in the presence of his wife and daughter on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, after a brief hospitalization. He had both returned home and begun hospice care the day before his passing. Bob was predeceased by brother Howard of Malvern, PA, and numerous cousins including Henry & Eileen Behringer and Greg Kelch. He is survived by wife Linda, daughter Susan and her husband Patrick Murphy (Captain, US Navy) and his grandchildren, Molly and Fionn Murphy. He is also survived by sister-in-law Linda Wisch, nephew Howard (Lindsey) Wisch, and their children Caroline, Ellie, and Henry, and niece Allison (James) Hayes and their children, Alex, Tommy, and Hadley, and even more cousins.

Bob was born on Smallwood Street in Baltimore City on April 24, 1937, the second son of the late Henry and Viola (nee Ulrich) Wisch. After graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1955, he attended McCoy College, the Johns Hopkins University evening college. He worked for Baltimore Gas & Electric Company for 12 years, and then switched careers to become a manufacturers' representative of lighting and electrical products. His sales and management territory covered four states and the District of Columbia. He retired in 2007.

Following a period as co-workers at BG&E and a brief courtship, Bob and Linda Louise Oster, also of Baltimore, were united in the bonds of holy matrimony on June 29, 1968. The couple moved to Catonsville and then West Friendship to an eight acre farm. In 1995, they moved into their current home on the Magothy River. They added their only child, Susan, to their family in 1975.

In the late 1950s, Bob enlisted in the 175th Regiment, 29th Division of the Maryland National Guard, and served as an officer in the regiment for 10 years. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1969, and was then active in several veterans groups as an officer and member. He proudly served as a National Commander of the 29th Division Association, Commander of Limestone Post 1-72 of the 29th Division Association, Commander of the Veterans Corps of the Fifth Regiment Infantry, and member of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands over the course of his retirement. He was promoted to his ultimate rank of Colonel, Veterans Corps of the Fifth Regiment Infantry of the Maryland National Guard, in April, 2014.

Bob was a member of the Masonic fraternity (Pickering Lodge) and Boumi Shriners for over 50 years. He was a founding member of the iconic Boumi Shriner Clowns, enjoying a long career of entertaining and encouraging people through his clown persona.

Bob was a devoted and caring husband and father, quick with a quip or joke and always the life of the party. His storytelling and entertaining nature made him a welcome guest at any military function, family get-together, and celebration. His thoughtfulness and skill at personal relationships allowed his personality to shine in both joyful and somber events. His respect for our nation and the ideals upon which it was founded were boundless; he was an ambassador for respectful and deeply-rooted patriotism.

Bob's amateur interest in photography extended to a lifelong love of capturing moments and telling stories through film and digital media. In addition to his 55 year marriage to Linda, his great joys in life were being the best cheerleader and supporter of his daughter Susan's time at and graduation from the US Naval Academy (Class of 1997) and seven plus year service as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), his son-in-law Patrick's 24 plus years (and counting) of active duty Naval service, also as a SWO, and his active role in the lives of his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Barranco Funeral Home in Severna Park. Additional visitation will be offered starting at 10 am on Tuesday, November 21 with a funeral service beginning at 11 am, also at Barranco. Military honors and burial will follow at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any memorial gifts be made to Friends of Naval Academy Music ( https://www.fonam.org/ ).