Robert W. Ehle, 66, of Orefield, died Feb. 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at home following a brief, hard-fought battle with angiosarcoma.

The husband of Nancy (Palombo) Ehle, the couple was married 38 years.

Born March 22, 1958, in Allentown, he was the son of Adrienne (Dickerson) Ehle of Lancaster and the late Francis R. Ehle.

He was raised in Emmaus, where he was an accomplished All-American swimmer.

In 1977, he moved to West Chester to attend Widener University.

After graduation, he met his wife while they were both working in the Intensive Care Unit at The Medical College of Pennsylvania.

In 1985, he attended anesthesia school at Christiana Hospital in Delaware.

As a nurse anesthetist, he was the first CRNA in the state of Pennsylvania to start an independent practice.

In 1988, he established Lehigh Anesthesia Associates, which he owned and operated through 2020.

An avid outdoorsman and award-winning hunter, he enjoyed traveling the world with his bow and arrow.

In his spare time, he developed an interest in agriculture.

As a steward of the land, he took pride in strengthening and preserving the local habitat.

Farming became not just a hobby but a passion, one that produced his famous “Palombo’s Perfect Peaches.”

Whether he was working or playing, persistence and hard work drove him to be successful in whatever he set his mind to.

This was evidenced by his newest endeavor, golf, where he shaved 30 strokes off his handicap since retiring.

In his past time, he curated a collection of fine wine and bourbon, which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

He was the ultimate Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies and Villanova basketball fan.

Above all, his greatest joy came from his family.

He was a devoted husband, father and Pop, always putting family first.

His warmth, kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone he met.

He left a lasting impact on the hearts and souls of so many.

In addition to his loving wife and mother, he is survived by a son, Daniel R. Ehle of Orefield; daughter Allyson E. Hughes and her husband, Stuart, of Westfield, N.J.; beloved grandson Parker Robert Hughes; many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; loyal pups Hayden and Rosie, and brother David Ehle of Bend, Ore.

He was predeceased by a sister, Linda Wheeler, and his beloved dogs Sammy, Nora and Kati.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Feb. 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 1046 W. Cedar St., Allentown.

Family and friends may pay their respects 6-8 p.m. Friday at Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sarcoma Awareness at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.