Robert C. "Bob" Forbes - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Robert C. “Bob” Forbes

June 1, 1943 - November 20, 2018


Robert C. “Bob” Forbes, age 75, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 1, 1943, in West Chester, PA, to the late Charles E. and Helen M. Forbes. Bob graduated from West Chester Joint Junior-Senior High School in 1961, and Goldey-Beacom School of Business with an Associate in Arts degree in accounting and business administration in 1963. He began his insurance career, which spanned 32 years, with Penn Mutual Fire Insurance Company in West Chester in 1963, and retired as president and CEO of New Castle Mutual Insurance Company in Delaware in 1995. After retirement, Bob became a licensed realtor with Patterson Schwartz Real Estate in their Newark office.

He was president of the Millcreek JCs in 1973, and state vice president in 1974. Bob was a life member and secretary of the Wilmington Manor Lions Club and president in 1994 and 2003. He served as zone chairman for District 22D Lions in 1995. Bob received decades of perfect attendance pins throughout his time as a Lion. He was recognized as Lion of the Year in 1999, a Ralph Helm Fellow in 1998, and a Melvin Jones Fellow in 2001 and 2007.

During his tenure in the insurance industry, Bob was past president of the Delaware Insurance Field Representative Club and also the Sparks Club in PA. He served on the board and was vice chairman in 1993, of the Insurance Placement Facility of DE & PA. Bob served on the board of the PA Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and was an active member of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. He also served on the board of the National Mutual Homeowners Insurance Rating Bureau.

Bob loved his family and enjoyed several years of camping in Chincoteague, VA, watching the ponies. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports and being available when needed with his flexible realtor’s hours.

Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon M. Forbes; children, Jason C. Forbes (Renee) of Middletown and Sarah E. Schrader (Blaine) of Smyrna; grandchildren, Autumn, Riley, and Maxwell; nephews, Mike, David, and Jeff; two great nieces; a great nephew; and a great-great niece.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 pm on Monday, November 26, 2018, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A second visitation will be held the following morning from 10 until 11 am at the funeral home, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Wilmington Manor Lions Club, P.O. Box 569, New Castle, DE 19720.

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5 Condolences for Robert C. “Bob” Forbes

  • Dad, you meant the world to all of us. We love you so much

  • Sending love and prayers to Sharon & family. Condolences from all of us here at Churchmans.

  • I am saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a great guy and very helpful to me in my early real estate years. I will always remember his kindness. My thoughts and prayers are for the family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

  • Sharon & Family:
    So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We had some great days in the Millcreek Jaycees. Some very constructive, others just drinking some beer and getting to know one another.
    Last saw Bob when he sold a rental property for me in Glasgow Pines, prior to my moving to Rehoboth.
    He led a good life and remained active in the community.
    Thoughts are with you! Lost my second wife, Marion, this past March.Bill Gell, another Millcreeker passed very recently as well.
    Roger Stanley

  • Sharon & Family:
    I’m sorry to learn of your husband’s passing. May the Almighty God continue to bless and guide you and your family during this time of sorrow. I love you always.
    Lucy Maina