Robert D. Romeril, 91, of Bethlehem, died January 19, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospice House. Born on Manhattan Island, NewYork, he was the son of Albert John Romeril and Winifred Gosman DeBevoise Romeril. He was the husband of The Rev. Canon Gwendolyn-Jane (Heiter) Romeril for 67 years.

He was a graduate of Sewanhaka High School, Bellerose, New York. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University.

He was with the U.S. Army Field Forces Board No. 2 at Fort Knox. He earned a citation for service during the Korean War. He experimented on metal fatigue in weapons and the impact of jet aircraft on ground combat forces. He served in the Army Reserves until 1961.

He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 41 years. His career included one patent. He played a key role in bringing to fruition the 160” plate mill at Indiana’s Burns Harbor. He later worked internationally for steel. At the age of 90, he was a special guest at the Burns Harbor for the two half-century steel-making anniversaries. He was known for his ergonomic designs which are still in use.

He was a Scout Master at age15, an Eagle Scout and a two-time recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service. He was president of the Greater Bethlehem Council of Churches. He was a president of the incorporated trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, where he was on the Commission on Ministry. He was active with the annual Advent Breakfast committee, the Interfaith Coalition on Poverty, the Bethlehem Authority, the Bethlehem Historical District Association, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and the Bethlehem Christmas City Committee. He routinely hired clients of the Hogar Crea rehab program for handyman jobs. He and his wife were among lobbyists to the school board for new education techniques to benefit dyslexic children. He was a Judge of Elections for the Seventh Ward.

He was a gardener known as the “Dahlia King,” and delivered many flowers nursing homes, medical offices and shut-ins for decades.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Robert D. Jr, George H., Andrew E. and Martin A.; a daughter, Winifred E.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. He was predeceased by two brothers, Albert John (Jack) and Stanley.

Contributions may be made to the Romeril Campership Fund at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation or to the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America by visiting www.minsitrails.org/give.

Arrangements were made by James Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.