Obituaries

Robert “Bob” Navitski, 72

December 19, 1950 - July 27, 2023

Robert “Bob” Navitski, 72, left the physical world on July 27, 2023. Bob passed peacefully with his daughter by his side, knowing that he was loved deeply.

Bob was born in Newark, NJ to Peter and Stella Navitski on December 19, 1950, and was raised in Nutley, NJ where he graduated from Nutley High School. Bob was an all-star athlete who competed in football, basketball, and track, but his true love was surfing which he did in Ortley Beach, NJ at his family’s beach house. Bob graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation Bob moved to Lancaster County where in 1980 became father to daughter, Alanna Navitski who he actively co-parented. Bob married his forever love, Debra, on Valentine’s Day 1988.

For the past 35 years, Bob has worked as a Civil and Structural Engineer. He was employed at several notable companies, including Huth Engineering, then going on to become the Assistant Lancaster County Engineer, PE. Bob was instrumental in managing well-known projects that included the Lancaster County’s Fire Training Center, the Lancaster County Children and Youth center and the renovation of the Lancaster Courthouse Dome. Bob is best known for managing the construction and maintenance of the bridges owned by Lancaster County, including the historical Covered Wooden Bridges. Committed to community service, Bob also volunteered for the past 20 years as the head of the Elizabeth Township planning Committee. Most recently, Bob worked at Fidevia Construction Management & Consulting as a Senior Construction Manager, PE.

Bob is survived and loved by a large network of family and friends who include his beloved wife Debra Navitski, sister Patricia Bowen, bonus son Hans Leber and daughter Alanna Navitski.

Bob Navitski was a good man, who believed in integrity, honesty, and positive energy. He loved his wife, work, family, friends, dogs, the ocean, Dad jokes, splitting wood, long drives, The Beach Boys – especially Brian Wilson (Bob was his biggest fan) and just all around touched the people he met.

Bob’s family will be holding a “Celebration of Life “ceremony on Saturday, August 12th at 3 pm, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz PA 17543. They will receive friends from 2 to 3 pm. There will be a continuing celebration of “more perfect Bob-ness” at a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Hospice & Community Care

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Condolences to the Family

June 14, 2024

I just came across this obituary and am very saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. But I am grateful that he was blessed with a good life, loving family, and many friends. He deserved these blessings. He was a good man and kind friend. With two others, I shared an apt with him at Penn. I regret not having kept up with him afterwards. Tonight my wife and I were reminiscing about old days and good friends. We looked him up and found his obituary. He was a steady, hard working presence never lacking a sense of humor and exactly the the perfect funny comment for any situation. Many years after Penn while on a train from Newark to New York, I thought I saw him and at the time told my wife I wished I’d said something. That memory has always stuck with me.
Mark Jacobs, aka Tex

May 29, 2024

I just found out about Bob. My roommate at Penn and the Best Man at my wedding Bob was one of the best people I have ever known. I know he will be missed and I wish we had kept in contact over the years.
Al Malmsjo

August 10, 2023

Condolences to you and your family. I worked with Bob many years ago at Huth Engineers. He always had a smile and brightened your day. May fond memories carry you through. RIP Karen Donnelly

August 08, 2023

Dear Deb…..thoughts and prayers to you & your family at this difficult time. May fond and happy memories carry you through. Sincere sympathy……
Suzanne Swanger

August 06, 2023

Deb: My deepest condolences to you and your family. It is with great sadness that I write this note. As you know, Bob and I worked together at the Lancaster County Courthouse for many years. During that time we became very close friends. Bob was a terrific Engineer and I am thankful that I was able to bring out the humerous side of Bob which many people did not see. One day Bob called me to his office. He had an 1800’s plaque off a covered bridge that was being repaired. He covered the Chief Clerk’s name with my name and left the old date exposed. We both enjoyed that moment. I am so thankful that Bob was part of my life. RIP, Bob.
Doris S. Kiehl, Former Chief Clerk

August 05, 2023

Oh, Deb. I am so sorry and send you my deepest sympathy. I am blessed to have spent some time with you and friends recently. Bob must have been a wonderful husband to you and I am sure you were a wonderful wife to him. Sorry I never met Bob, however it is clear he was an amazing man. Sending my love, Gloria (Neff) McConaghay.

August 04, 2023

Dear Deb, Sunny my friend: I am so sorry for your loss of Bob and glad we spoke the last time I was home. I’m ordering one of his sister’s books in memory as that was part of our discussion in April. He still had a smile in his voice. Lots of love forever, Your Friend, Magee

August 02, 2023

The Elizabeth Township Board of Supervisors expresses their sympathies to the family. Bob was a great addition to our Planning Commission for many years. His wisdom and guidance is already missed. The whole community shares condolences with the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
LOREN MILLER

August 02, 2023

Deb..so sorry for your loss. My sincerest sympathies. Yet another good guy gone way too soon. My life was enriched having known him. Can’t think of a better Brian Wilson song than “Good Vibrations” to tribute his demeanor and approach to life. RIP my friend..
John Eck

August 02, 2023

High School friend and teammate who was my Bookend playing Tackle for Nutley High School. You were the gentle giant of our team and a all around nice guy. My sincere condolences to your family and may you Rest In Peace. #64 Jim Underwood

Visitation: Saturday, August 12, 2023; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, August 12, 2023; 3:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >