Obituary of Robert W. Bortz

Robert “Bob” Bortz, 75, of Woodbury Heights, NJ, passed away on September 25, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. His loving family was by his side.

Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 24, 1946, the son of the late Harold and Ida Bortz. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ginger (nee Lane); devoted father of Barbara (Stephen) Murtaugh, William (Danielle) Bortz and Brittney Wells; cherished grandfather of Chase, Connor & Chloe Murtaugh, Sebastian & Meredith Bortz, Levi & Landon Wells; dear brother of James Bortz and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepmother, Lillian Bortz and stepsiblings, Patricia (Barry) Williamson and James McHale.

As a boy, Bob grew up in Levittown, PA. At a young age, he developed a love for trains, baseball and learning craftsmanship from watching his father. There was nothing he couldn’t fix! He graduated from Delhaas High School in Bristol, PA and Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, where he earned his degree in Chemical Engineering.

Bob spent most of his career at ExxonMobil in Paulsboro, NJ, where he was a talented chemical engineer who had a true passion and dedication for his work. His career took him around the world to start up refineries in over 15 countries on every continent. Bob holds five U.S. patents under his name for the processes still used today by the oil industry. In his younger work years, he also enjoyed playing on Mobil’s men’s softball team where he excelled at playing first base. After retiring from ExxonMobil he joined Becht Engineering as a consultant for many years and spent time serving as a mentor for young engineers.

Bob was a huge animal lover. He never met an animal he didn’t love. He enjoyed traveling with Ginger; their favorite places being Germany and Alaska. He was a lifelong Phillies and Eagles fan. Bob was an avid reader, who loved watching sports and movies. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Wednesday, October 6th from 5:00-7:30 pm at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ; his Memorial Ceremony will follow at 7:30 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in his name to the Animal Adoption Center at www.aacnj.org or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.