Robert "Bob" John Talbot

Robert “Bob” John Talbot passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023. Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who will be missed by all who knew him. 

He was born in Rahway, NJ on May 23rd, 1951, to Madelyn and John Talbot. On May 5th, 1973, he married Dale Smalley, his high-school sweetheart, who he was married to for 50 years. Together they raised three children in Chester, NJ. 

Bob graduated from West Morris High School in 1969 and went on to play soccer at West Virginia University. He began working in construction, becoming self-employed, and lovingly being called “Bob the Builder”. He built many homes over the course of his 50-year building career. He prided himself in his craft and workmanship and was currently residing in the beautiful home he built for himself and Dale on Seabrook Island, SC. Bob especially enjoyed sharing this craft with his son, Kevin, who worked with him on numerous jobs including the building of his current home. Bob was a talented soccer player and loved all sports. He enjoyed going to baseball games - especially the Mets - and was known to cheer on his daughter’s Virginia Tech Hokies and his son’s Clemson Tigers football teams. He enjoyed being outside, working around the yard, and taking walks on the beach with his two dogs. Bob will be remembered often as a man of few words, for his sarcastic humor and wit, his tireless work ethic that provided a wonderful life for his family, coaching his children’s sports teams, and his famous Sunday pancakes. He was a grandfather for less than two years, but he had already developed a playful and fun relationship with his granddaughter. And in that vein, we are reminded: If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever. While Bob left us far too soon, he lived a very full life, and we will forever keep him in our hearts. 

Bob is survived by his wife Dale Talbot of Seabrook Island, SC; daughter Julie Kelly, son-in-law Ryan Kelly, and granddaughter April Kelly of Arlington, VA; son Kevin Talbot and daughter-in-law Katelyn Talbot of Boulder, CO; and son Grant Talbot of Overland Park, KS. 

A private family celebration of Bob’s life will be held on May 5th, what would have been his 50th wedding anniversary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org).

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.