Robert “Bob” D. DeTurk, 83, of Gratz, PA, (formerly of Exeter Twp) passed away on November 12, 2025.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Henry W. and Helen (Wocjiehowski) DeTurk. He was the husband of Sherry A. (Stoudt) DeTurk.

Bob was a 1960 graduate of Exeter High School, where he participated in cross-country running, track and excelled in the game of basketball. Bob averaged over 22 points per game and was named “Exeter’s Most Valuable Male Athlete of 1960.” Bob continued playing after graduation in various Reading area leagues. He was a co-founder of the Exeter “Black Knights” team, a lifetime member of the Berks County “Oldtimers,” and served as a basketball official for 5 years. 

Bob was employed at the former Textile Machine Works for 5 years before moving on to Carpenter Technology. Starting as a laborer, he retired from Carpenter Tech in 1999 as a general supervisor in the bar finishing department. 

Bob’s many activities included hiking, bicycling, and woodworking – including the full restoration of a log cabin from the late 1700’s. Bob loved traveling with his wife Sherry. His favorites were cruising, a family trip to Disneyworld with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, and family trips to Sandbridge Beach. Bob could be seen in his later years bicycling around the winding roads of Gratz and would stop to chat or joke around with the many locals that he became quite fond of. 

In addition to his wife Sherry, Bob is survived by two daughters, Deann Carroll (Rodney), Deborah Iacono (Frank), and a son, Curtis DeTurk (Mary); grandchildren: Christina & Derek Bowers, Timothy & Fiona Carroll, Amy Garman-Starky (Ken), Nicholas, David & Alexis Moyer, Christina Haws, Laura & Luca Culp, Emily, Taylor & Ava Iacono; great-grandchildren: Alexander Garman, George & Jack Carroll, Kayla Bowers, Kerrigan Haws, and Anderson & Audra Starky.  In addition, Bob spent many years enjoying his time with nieces and nephews: Jodi & Dan Eslinger, Craig & Vicki Conrad, Jacob Gregory, Gwynneth Stoudt, and Lia Stoudt. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City, with Pastor Annette Shutt officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the chapel. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow in the Christ United Methodist Church Social Hall, Tower City.

To send condolences, visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com.