Robert Earl Rush, 68, of West Bethlehem left our world on September 8, 2022, peacefully alongside his loving family. He was the only son of the late Winwood Earl Rush and Mary H. (Hagenbaugh) Rush -- both of Bethlehem. He was known as "Bob" to his friends and colleagues. He was always quick with a joke or anecdote; followed by an unmistakable laugh.

Bob was a 1972 graduate of Liberty High School (Bethlehem), and a 1975 graduate of Sacred Heart School of Nursing (Allentown). It was at nursing school he met the love of his life, Gina M. (Valletta) Rush. He later completed Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) course work at Delaware County Community College.

Bob was employed directly out of nursing school as a surgical nurse at Allentown Hospital. He was later employed privately by the late Dr. Peter M. Anson M.D., who's practice quickly evolved into Lehigh Valley Orthopedics. The practice later merged with Coordinated Health Systems, where he worked in orthopedic surgery until his retirement. Bob enjoyed his colleagues and patients alike. He was very proud to mentor young Physician Assistants in the operating room and beyond.

Bob was a member of the former Saint Peter's UCC on Allentown's Eastside. He spent several years on the church consistory.

Bob was very proud of his years of service with Boy Scouts of America. He attended The 1969 National Jamboree in Idaho, as a member of Troop 22 Eastside of Allentown. As an adult leader, he was a den leader of Pack 360 West Bethlehem and subsequently an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 318 West Bethlehem. Bob also served as a committee member and committee chairman of Troop 318. Bob set the example for many boys from his beloved West Bethlehem neighborhood.

Bob loved gardening and growing his own tomatoes and peppers from seed. He was also very fond of his bamboo, which he was famous for. He won many awards at the Great Allentown Fair. His salsa was always a treat at neighborhood gatherings. He loved to cook for his family, and in retirement became an accomplished home baker. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and salmon fishing alike. He was an avid fan of Liberty High School football and basketball, as well as Eastside Youth Center football.

Bob was a lifetime member of the Westside Republican Club, Rosemont Fire Company, and Guthsville Rod & Gun Club. He was a member of the North End Republican Club. He was also a member of The Sons of the American Revolution (Philadelphia) -- an organization for descendants of Revolutionary War Veterans. He was duly proud of his membership at the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 331 of Stone Harbor, NJ.

Bob is survived by his loving and admiring wife, Gina M. (Valletta) Rush of 44 years; sons, Jeffrey Robert Rush and wife Stephanie of Emmaus and Aaron Robert Rush and his wife Holly of Philadelphia; grandson, Ethan Winwood Rush of Bethlehem.

Services: A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 in the James Funeral Home, 527 Center Street, Bethlehem. Viewings will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM and Wednesday morning from 10-11 AM in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Bethlehem Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 331, PO Box 331, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247.