Obituary of Robert Wharton Tribit

Robert "Bob" Wharton Tribit Age 79, of Glen Mills, PA, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, surrounded by his family at home. Born at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, and raised in Ocean City, NJ, Bob resided for the past 15 years in Glen Mills, PA, and previously lived in Mount Laurel, NJ for 20 years. A career military officer, Bob served on Active Duty in the U.S. Air Force for over 21 years, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Bob entered Active Duty in 1967 and retired in 1989. As a fighter pilot, he flew the F-100 Super Sabre and the T-38 Talon as a mission support officer. Bob also served as a flight instructor with the U.S. Air Force. He completed extensive military education and training, including Survival Training, USAF Operational Training, and courses in Systems Engineering and Logistics Management, among others.

Throughout his career, Bob was awarded numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was proud to serve his country, and his legacy of dedication and service will be remembered by all who knew him. During his years with the military, Bob worked for Lockheed Martin, retiring in 2012. 

Bob graduated from Ocean City High School, Class of 1963, earned his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware, and completed his Master's degree in Systems Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, OH. He went through pilot training at Moody Air Force Base in 1968.

He loved flying, traveling, and spending time with his family. Bob cherished his children and grandchildren and enjoyed vacations with them.

In addition to his parents, Robert Page and Edith Vera Wharton Tribit, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Simpson. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Susan Leah Klein Tribit; two children, Robert Klein Tribit, daugher in law Treva Ward Tribit and Barbara Diane Tribit; ten grandchildren, Kyle, Noelle, Joshua, Sophia, Kaylee, Emma, Kasen, Samantha, Madeleine, and Elizabeth; and a great-grandson, Elijah.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 9:45 AM-10:45 AM at Elam United Methodist Church, 1073 Smithbridge Road, Glen Mills, PA, followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Elam Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Penn Medicine Hospice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.