Cover photo for Robert Deters, Sr.'s Obituary
1925 Robert 2020

Robert Deters, Sr.

August 4, 1925 — October 28, 2020

Robert Leslie Deters, Sr., passed away on October 28, 2020, having celebrated his 95th birthday recently on August 4, 2020.  Robert (Bob) was born to Bernard and Mary (nee Nowell) Deters in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 4, 1925.  He grew up in Pimlico, as the third of five children.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Vivian, for whom he was her caregiver for many years, and his siblings (in-laws) John Earl; Doris Ports (Norman); Margaret Czyzewski (Bernard); and Regina “Jean” Sapp (Dick Sapp).  He spent his early school days at St. Ambrose Catholic School, where he acquired life-long friendships.  He attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and lettered in Varsity football.  Like many young men his age, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 18 to aid our country’s war effort, travelling to Parris Island, SC, for basic training; then off to Hawaii, from where he was deployed to the Asian Pacific theatre.  During World War II, Bob served primarily as an enemy searchlight operator on Okinawa.  He often shared hilarious stories about his platoon’s “partnership” with local Navy Seabees.  At the conflict’s end, he was ordered to China with assignment to keep martial law.  Robert was honorably discharged from his rank of Corporal on April 3, 1946.  After returning home, he worked as a machinist at Western Electric, and retired after more than 40 years of service.

Robert met his wife, Vivian Cronhardt, at the local roller-skating rink. They competed together as roller-dancers and it was not long before Bob proposed at Betterton Beach. They married on November 28, 1948. They resided in Dundalk until 1966, when they moved to Pasadena, MD.  Together they raised three sons, Robert L. Deters, Jr. (Karen Tanner), Daniel B. Deters (Teresa Cicero), and Richard E. Deters (Lisa Hamilton).  He is survived by his sons and his six grandchildren: Robert L. Deters, III, Katharine Pollack, Thomas J. Deters, Carrie Anne Hilmer, Timothy B. Deters, and Kaitlin Deters. He and Vivian were blessed with 18 great-grandchildren: Ryan, Kalee, Andrew, Tristin, Kristal, Colby, Alison, Skylar, Haylie, Hope, Natalie, Elena, Dylan, Riley, Grayson, Michaela, Jaxton, and Ethan and  two great-great-grands: Ryder and Sydney.   Robert is also survived by his nieces and nephews, a large extended family and many friends.

Robert enjoyed coaching youth baseball, softball, and football.  He was an avid Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan. He loved to boat, fish, crab, bowl, woodwork, golf, and play horseshoes.  Some of his lesser known talents include writing poetry and baking.  Bob impacted so many with his incredible sense of humor, strong work ethic, trustworthiness and helpful nature.  His family was the source of his greatest contentment.   He sought simple pleasures like bird-watching, enjoying nature, crosswords, and a good cup of coffee or a cold beer.  In his retirement years, he also enjoyed travelling, wood-working, and spending time with his family.

The Deters family welcomes you at the McCULLY-POLYNAIK FUNERAL HOME, P.A. 3204 Mountain Road PASADENA on Tuesday, November 3, from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM. Only 60 guests will be admitted at a time; masks are required. A funeral service will be held at McCULLY-POLYNAIK FUNERAL HOME, P.A. at on Wednesday, November 4, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift or donation in Bob’s name may be given to the American Lung Association.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Deters, Sr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

24 Hour Viewing

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

McCully Polyniak & Collins Funeral Home

3204 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122

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24 Hour Viewing

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Starts at 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

McCully Polyniak & Collins Funeral Home

3204 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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