Robert G. Ayres

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; And if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Psalms 90:10

Robert G. Ayres was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 31, 1936. He was the son of the late Edward Charles Ayers Sr and Oceia Anna Armstrong- Ayers. Robert was the grandson of the late Joseph Pete Ayers and Georgia Price- Ayers and the great grandson of the late John Henry Ayers and Leah Deshield.

Robert, who was affectionately known as Bob or Bobby, was educated in the Philadelphia School System where he attended Bok Vocational High School. After leaving Bok High School, Bob entered into the United States Navy in May 1957, where he was enlisted as a Personnel-man. His duties included administrative responsibilities and counseling of Personnel-men concerning Navy rank, training, advancement, educational opportunities and the rights, benefits, and advantages of a Navy career. Bob contributes his time in the Navy as the catalyst used to making him the man that he had become. While in the Navy, he received numerous accommodations and awards of merit service. Bob ended his navy career after 20 years of service as an Armed Forces Test Coordinator with a rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Following his military career, he worked for another government agency, the United States Postal Service. He was a mail carrier and later worked overnight shift at 30th Street Station as a mail sorter. His career with the Post Office spanned 20 years before he retired in 1998.

In 1958, while attending Sunday School at Crucifixion Episcopal Church, Bob met the love of his life, Joan Hartage ( who preceded him in death). Love bloomed quickly between the two and on August 31,1959, the two were joined in holy matrimony in Camden, New Jersey. From this union three children were born; Robert Timothy ( who preceded him in death), Phillip Winston and Claudia Louise. Family was very important to Bob, setting an example for his sons who both followed his footsteps and joined the Navy. His oldest son Robert Timothy went a step further and worked for the Post office after leaving the military.

Bob was always willing to help family, friends or neighbors anyway he could. If there was a need he would step-up and meet the need, whether financial, encouragement or advice. Bob felt good and blessed to share what he had to help others, especially family. On special occasions he would never forget to send love to his family with a card and a love offering, usually enough to buy lunch. It would not be unusual for him to send out 30-40 Mother's Day cards to celebrate the mother's he knew. Bob also loved staying connected to old friends that he served with in the military and Post Office. Bob was a social butterfly and loved people.

Bob made the biggest decision of his life when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He then joined Calvary Temple Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor George Valco. Bob was familiar with Calvary Temple after spending over 12 years attending events at the school with his grandchildren. Bob attended Friendship Circle bible study at the Senior Center with his wife Joan. Bob attended church until his health began to fail.

Bob was a loving father and marvelous grandfather who always wanted the best for his family. He loved his family and was proud of all the accomplishments that each individual made. Bob felt education and learning new things were paramount to navigating through life experiences. Bob leaves a big legacy for his family to follow. Bob was the family photographer, capturing every important event. On July 6, 2023 at 11:25pm, Bob was called from labor to reward. Bob's physical presence and quick wit will be missed, but the wonderful memories that he left will remain with those whose lives he touched.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory, his son Phillip, his daughter Claudia, one son-in-law Alfonzo Brown Sr, six grandchildren; Aleah Brown- Collins, Clarissa Brown, Alfonzo Brown Jr, Rebecca Ayres, Lisa Pagan, Joshua Thiboldeaux; two grand-son-in-laws, Darnell Collins Sr, and Ariel Pagan; five great

grands, Darnell Collins Jr, Miranda Cuevas, Ariela Pagan, Jaylise Pagan, and Jeremiah Morales; three great great grands, Milani, Mason, and Rashad. One sister Solonia Ayers, three sister in-laws Jean Ryals, Julia Ayers, and Jocelyn Hartage; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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