Robert W. Schnepfe Jr., Rehoboth resident
Robert W. "Bob" Schnepfe Jr. passed away Friday, March 28, 2025. He was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Baltimore, Md., to the late Robert and Thelma Schnepfe.
A dedicated student, Bob graduated from the Advanced College Preparatory Course at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute before earning a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech in 1956.
As a child, Bob spent summers in Dewey Beach, where he developed a lifelong love for crabbing, fishing, and boating. During his college years, he worked for Harry Shaud, cleaning and restocking the Bottle and Cork before the summer season, while also delivering milk for Rehoboth Dairy.
Bob built a distinguished 38-year career at AAI Corp., a defense contractor in Hunt Valley, Md., and retired in 1994 as a product design manager. His expertise in ordnance systems led to the development of pyrotechnics, propellants, explosives, and obscurants. A bright and innovative man, Bob was awarded 12 patents in the ordnance field and contributed to two NATO Industrial Advisory Group studies on battlefield obscuration systems. He also served as chairman of the American Defense Preparedness Association for four years.
Following his retirement, Bob moved to Rehoboth Beach, where he continued to enjoy his hobbies of boating, fishing, and crabbing. He rekindled a friendship with Barbara Quillen Dougherty, whom he had known since 1946 in Dewey Beach. Together, they collaborated on her book “Dewey Beach History and Tales,” with Bob contributing two chapters to the first edition and a third in the second.
In 2001, Bob became the devoted full-time caregiver for his wife, Eileen, as she battled Alzheimer’s disease. He also dedicated his time as a volunteer driver for Beebe Medical Center’s Gull House Adult Services, taking patients on monthly day trips. After Eileen’s passing in 2007, Bob found companionship with Barbara Dougherty until her passing in 2015.
Bob faced his own health challenges with resilience, undergoing 11 cancer-related surgeries at Beebe Medical Center, six of which were performed by Dr. James Spellman. In 2013, he became the first contributor to Beebe’s Celebrate Excellent Care program, donating in Dr. Spellman’s honor to support surgical equipment.
Bob is survived by Eileen’s son, Tim Hamilton; and Barbara’s children, Brian, Neil and Sarah Dougherty. He was deeply grateful for the kindness of his Rodney Street neighbors and, more recently, the caregivers at Brandywine Seaside, whose support brought him comfort over the past few years.
In Bob’s memory, donations may be made to: Beebe Healthcare, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
