John Robert (Bob) Waltman, 94, died on September 8 surrounded by his loving family at the Stonebridge residence in Skillman NJ.
Bob was born in Steubenville, Ohio to Edwin Guy and Martha Beard Waltman. He attended the Mercersburg Academy before entering Princeton University with the great class of 1945. In the spring of 1943, Bob left Princeton to enlist in the Army. From 1943 to 1946 he served with the Army Corps of Engineers, 1289th Engineer Combat Battalion. Bob served in France, Germany and the Philippines and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. He returned to Princeton in 1946 to complete his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. In 1948 he began a long and successful career with the United State Gypsum Company. Retiring from his position as National Accounts Executive in 1987, Bob was known for his exemplary dedication, integrity, humility, and for his personal touch and wry good humor.
An avid golfer and sailor and a proud member of the Old Guard, Bob enjoyed big band music, jazz and cleverly plotted espionage novels. He traveled frequently, first in the service, then for work, and finally enjoying many trips abroad after his retirement. More than anything, he enjoyed time spent with his family. An exemplary man in every regard, Bob was a gentle soul with a sweetly mischievous twinkle in his eye. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years Diana (Didi) Fredericks Waltman, his daughters Susan Waltman Simpson, Sally (Bay) Waltman (and spouse Elizabeth Ries) and Martha O’Connor (and spouse Michael), and by his son James Robert (Jim) Waltman (and spouse Alicia) as well as by his eight adoring grandchildren (Jack, Diana (Annie) and Matthew Simpson, Kelly, Duncan and John Patrick O’Connor and Emma and James Torrey (Jimmy) Waltman.
Interment will be held privately. Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association or Habitat for Humanity of Trenton.
