Robert W. Ebert of New Hope, PA, died on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Newtown, PA. He was 77 years old.

Robert was an owner and the general manager of the Raven in New Hope - the legendary restaurant, hotel, and club - a landmark gathering spot for the gay community in New Hope and beyond. The Raven was a place for fine dining, wonderful cocktails, and many events and fundraisers. Through it all, Robert was at the door, greeting guests, old friends, and first-time visitors. When the New Hope community was hit hard by the AIDS epidemic, Robert and the Raven staff hosted many fundraisers for the community at large, AIDS service organizations, and local individuals who needed support. He encouraged his staff to do their best and gave many a local young person their first job. He was known for his skill in putting together “the right staff” and they remained loyal to him throughout the years.

Robert was a past board member of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce and was a member and supporter of FACT Bucks County. He was also generous to animal welfare organizations and was a great lover of animals, especially dogs.

Robert was born in Trenton, NJ, and grew up in Bucks County. He graduated from Pennsbury High School. He worked as a teller at First National Bank and Trust in Trenton. He later worked at Mother’s Restaurant, where he became a manager. Robert came to the Raven in 1981 and stayed until the resort was reorganized in 2004. He later worked for a short period at Martine’s in New Hope.

Robert enjoyed spending time with his friends. He loved the Jersey Shore, made trips to Atlantic City, and each winter looked forward to an extended stay in Florida - in earlier years, Key West and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale. He was a theatergoer and regularly attended the productions at the Bucks County Playhouse. Robert was an avid shopper and loved Macy’s shirt sales.

He was the son of the late Edward L. and Elizabeth J. Ebert and the brother of the late Edward L. Ebert. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn J. Ebert, his niece, Andrea Bapst, and several cousins. Robert is also survived by a wide circle of friends and associates whose lives he impacted and who will cherish their memories of Robert for years to come.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 11 am at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 1 Riverstone Circle, New Hope, PA 18938.

There will be calling hours at the church on Tuesday morning from 9 am until the start of mass.

Interment will follow at Solebury Friends Meeting Cemetery, 2680 N. Sugan Road, New Hope, PA 18938.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Animal Alliance, 1432 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530 (animalalliancenj.org), Lulu’s Rescue, 4387 W. Swamp Road, #46, Doylestown, PA 18901 (info@lulusrescue.org) or the Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938 (info@buckscountyplayhouse.org).

Arrangements by the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530 (vhmfh.com).