Robert Franklin Harsch

Robert Franklin Harsch, 92, of West Chester, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2019, in his residence at the Hearth at Drexel in Bala Cynwyd. Robert was beloved husband to Patricia Ann Harsch, née Thomas, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Robert was born in Ambler, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1926, son of John W. and Julia A. Harsch. In 1944, he graduated from Ambler High School and attended Dartmouth College, then Cornell University, where he graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. From 1948 to 1954, Robert served in the US Navy. He was stationed in Japan during the World War II Victory, and then in Korea during the Korean War, working as a pontoon company commander. In 1953, he returned to the US and served in Washington DC as a project manager in the Bureau of Yards and Docks.  In 1954, Robert began work for the Philadelphia Electric Company as a project engineer, designing and constructing gas and electric distribution lines. At the same time, he attended Drexel Institute and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958. In 1959, Robert moved to the North Hills neighborhood outside West Chester, where he lived for the next 30 years. In 1962, Robert founded a civil engineering firm, Robert F. Harsch Associates, located on North Walnut Street. The firm provided consulting engineer services for surrounding municipalities and townships for the next 34 years. After his retirement, he continued as an independent engineering consultant for Edwards and Kelcey, Inc., and for East Bradford Township. As a member of the West Chester Rotary Club, Robert hosted over twenty international students in his home, and, from 1981 to 1982, he acted as West Chester Rotary’s president. Robert also served as a Republican committeeman. An avid bird watcher, lover of amateur theater and puns, Robert was a devoted son, husband, and father. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, as well as his brothers, Jack Harsch, Bill Harsch, Richard Harsch, and his sister Peggy Harsch. He is survived by his daughters, Leslie Altena and Meredith Harsch, as well as by grandson Johnathan Herman-Harsch. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, Febuary 2, 2019, at Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Home, 8413 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, PA 19118. The viewing begins at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.