Robert S. Olcott, Jr., 92

May 06, 2019

Robert S. Olcott, Jr., born in Saratoga Springs, NY, and long-time resident of Millersville, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019, at the age of 92.

He was the husband of the late Marjorie R. Olcott who passed away in 1997 and the late Antonia “Toni” Zankl Newswanger Olcott, who passed away in 2007.

Bob was a US Navy veteran serving stateside during World War II. After discharge, he received his degree in chemistry at the University of Rochester where he was a member of the Navy ROTC program, being commissioned as an Ensign and then serving in the Navy Reserves until 1959.

In 1947 he began working as a chemist for the Armstrong Cork Company in the Rubber Products division. He met Marjorie there, who was a chemist as well, and married her in 1950. His talents and abilities became quickly evident and he was named manager of the Textile Products Research Unit in 1959. He led his team in the development of textile production products still in use today. He also attained several patents while working at Armstrong. He retired in 1988 as the Manager of Industry Products. After retirement he did worldwide consulting and volunteered, along with Marjorie, to help Pakistan develop its textile industry through a US State Department program.

Bob was a member of St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church.

He enjoyed bridge, Martinis (which he referred to as Martins), golf, bowling, fast cars and motorcycles, dogs, and spending time with his family. He traveled the world during his employment with Armstrong and enjoyed personal visits to Germany after his retirement. Being from upstate NY, Bob never lost his passion for the outdoors and shooting sports. Though he enjoyed international cuisine, his favorite place to eat was the Barn Door.

Bob is survived by his children: Mark S. married to Susan R. Olcott of Ephrata, Matthew S. married to Nancy Olcott of Millersville, Cynthia A. married to William Bruckman of Redondo Beach, CA, and J. Andrew married to Joy L. Olcott of Millersville. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Melissa L., Jacob S. married to Amanda, L. Emily, Katherine J. married to Ryan Shanahan, Dawson married to Jessica Bruckman, Rachel Y., and Natalie X; and his great grandchildren Scarlett, Benjamin, Jackson, Cordelia, William, and Matilda.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 9:30-10:30AM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, with the Funeral Service to follow at 10:30AM. Interment is at the St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Bob’s memory to the Lancaster County Conservancy, 117 S. West End Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 or to Folds Of Honor, Dept 13, Tulsa, OK 74182; foldsofhonor.org.