Robert Paul “Bob” Stratton

Robert Paul “Bob” Stratton, age 88, peacefully passed away at his home in Newark, DE, on Saturday, July 6, 2024, after a short illness.

Born in Darby, PA on May 12, 1936, he was the son of late Robert Leo and Mary “May” Elizabeth (Fricker) Stratton.  Robert was also by known as Bob, The Fox, or Lefty to family and friends.  He was raised in Folcroft, PA where he attended Saint George’s Grade School, graduating in 1950.  Bob attended St. James High School from 1950-1954 then graduated from St. Francis College in Loretta, PA, in 1958 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  He was a member of the Fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, where he received the nickname “Lefty” from his fraternity brothers.  While in college, he worked a summer internship at ITE where he met Barbara Lee Burns, who later became his wife of 65 years.

In 1959, Bob was drafted into the Army and served with the 68^th Engineer Battalion of the Seventh Army in Schwetzingen, Germany until 1961.  After his return state side, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1963.

In 1961, Bob was hired by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a teacher.  He was assigned to Monsignor Bonner High School, where he taught for 35 years and earned the nickname of “The Fox”.  During this time, he taught English, American Literature, and American History with a focus on American Wars.

Bob coached the rifle team from 1961-1965 and Varsity Baseball from 1966- 1984.  He also served as Athletic Director from 1968-1972.  During this time, he was the head of the School’s Intramural Program and the Physical Education Department.

Bob’s love of baseball led to coaching a total of 18 seasons with a record of 216 wins, 163 loses, and 3 ties.  His teams won the Catholic League Southern Division in 1970, 1974, 1977, and 1984.  The 1970 team won the Catholic and the Philadelphia City title.  The Fox was selected Coach of the year twice (1974 and 1977) by the Delaware County Daily Times.

Bob’s baseball team was the last team ever to have played ball in the Connie Mack Stadium and first team ever to play a game at the new Veteran’s Stadium in Philadelphia.  He often enjoyed telling the story of his team playing a great game at Connie Mack Stadium and how he called a time out in the last inning. He walked out to the pitcher’s mound with the pitcher being concerned he was going to be removed from the game.  Coach Fox told the upset player, “Don’t worry, I have just watched so many great players on this field and had to know what it felt like to be out here on the mound.  Just act like I’m giving you helpful advice!” leaving the pitcher with a baffled look on his face.  Bob walked off of the field and back to the dugout to continue coaching with a content knowing smile.

Bob retired from teaching in 1995 and then worked for the Carpenter Family Grand Slam in Newark, DE, and participated in summer baseball camps for Bonner, the Philadelphia Phillies, and Grand Slam from 1995-2006.

Bob not only loved baseball, but enjoyed playing Canasta with his family, listening to music, watching his extensive collection of movie DVDs, and was fond of all animals, especially cats and dogs.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Nicole L. Peters. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; brother, Leo M. Stratton (former wife, Cynthia); his children, Susan L. Mitchell (Jeff), Kimberly A. Peters (Mark) and Donald R. Stratton (Monica); grandchildren, Mark A. Peters, Leslie A. Norrie (Thomas), Christine L. Trageser (Christopher), Joseph  E. Mitchell, and Audrey S. Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth L. Trageser,  Adelaide E. Norrie, Emilia J. Norrie, and baby boy Norrie due in early November; nieces, Patricia Hall and Alyson Huntsberger; and nephew, Christopher Stratton.

Bob was known as a kind and loving man and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  We are all better off having him in our lives.

Bob’s family requests everyone watch a Phillies’ game and cheer them to victory in his memory!