Joseph A. “Robert Bobby” Milsom, 66

March 11, 2018

They say that we are drawn to the light
And peace replaces fear on that dark night
Could be our lord and protector
Or just the light from the projector
When they’re playing back the movie of your life

Robert Bobby “Movie of Your Life” written 9/2015

Joseph A. Milsom, aka Robert Bobby, Wrightsville, PA, age 66, passed away peacefully at home March 11th after a 14 month struggle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Born in Philadelphia, raised in the suburb of Newtown Square, Joe attended Franklin and Marshall College where he met his beloved wife, Chris.

Growing up in the turbulent but invigorating 1960’s, Joe learned to play guitar in high school, after being inspired, like a lot of young people, by Bob Dylan. His formative years were filled with music. He went to Woodstock, frequented concerts, the Main Point folk club, played in high school bands and started to write songs. A college semester in India resulted in life-long friends and fodder for songwriting.

While Joe was first and foremost a songwriter and musician, he worked a variety of day jobs and actually managed to tolerate a 20+ year stint at Chris’ State Farm Insurance office in Mountville entertaining the customers with his razor sharp wit.

Joe was a founding member of The Speedboys, a popular local band, who were inducted into the Lancaster Rock and Roll of Fame in January of this year. He was well known in the singer/songwriter community and the Lancaster music scene and beyond. After his rock and roll days, Robert Bobby joined the International Folk Alliance, making new friends and connections all over the country. He and Mrs. Bobby became fixtures at the regional conferences and enjoyed many fun times traveling and performing for their fans.

In addition to music, Joe loved his family, his pets, traveling and eating. Never much of one for exercise, he would do anything Chris asked him to if a good meal was the reward.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Chris aka Mrs. Bobby, brothers Bob Milsom, Washington, DC and Jack Milsom, Ellwood City, PA, niece Emie Murray and her son Jack, Wrightsville, PA and nephew Jimmy Milsom of Lancaster, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam Wilson (Curly) and Elizabeth (Didd) Milsom, brother Dan Milsom and sister Henrietta Bradley.

A Celebration of Life Memorial is planned for April 19th, 5:30-9:00pm at The Barn at Stoner Grille, 605 Granite Run Dr. Overlook Park, Lancaster, PA 17601. More information about this event will be announced later.

A huge thank you goes out to all the wonderful medical folks who have touched our lives at Neuroscience and Spine, Lancaster General Hospital, Twin Rose, Wrightsville and the Anne B. Barshinger Cancer Center.

Folks who are so inclined can make donations in Joe’s memory to CaringBridge.org, Susquehanna Folk Song Society, 378 Old York Rd, New Cumberland, PA 17070, Music for Everyone, 42 N. Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603 or an Animal Rescue organization of your choice.