Robert Woltanski

Robert, affectionally known to family and friends as Bob, passed away suddenly on June 25, 2026. Born on November 19, 1956, to Edward and Nadia (Lubarchick) Woltanski, Bob was the youngest of three children raised in Southwest Philadelphia.

A tragic accident at the age of seventeen left Bob a quadriplegic. Before his accident, Bob was a talented artist working in school to perfect his skills. The accident did not stop Bob from going on to live a full life. In 1980, Bob went to live at Inglis House which enabled him to live independently. During this time, Inglis taught Bob how to use adaptive equipment which helped him with his daily activities. Eventually, he was able to paint by placing a paint brush between his teeth. He became a portrait artist, and painting portraits became his profession. When he was not doing portraits, he created a variety of other paintings which people purchased and enjoyed. In 1989, Bob graduated from Philadelphia Community College with high honors. Inglis House was Bob’ s home for 46 years. During this time, he developed and maintained many loving relationships with staff and residents.

Bob was an inspiration to everyone who knew and loved him. He had a wonderful personality and sense of humor. He was extremely thoughtful and always had something interesting to share. Bob “knew a lot about a lot.” He could engage you in discussions on a wide range of diverse topics. His interests included all genres of music, classical movies, vintage stereo equipment, classic cars, trains, World War II, and the industrial history of Pennsylvania just to name a few. He loved to read and watch the Turner Classic Movies channel which was always playing on his TV when you came to visit.

Bob was deeply loved by many and will be great missed.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Nadia. He is survived by his brothers, Thomas and his wife, Darlene, and James; his nephews, Thomas (Danielle), Kevin (Angela), and Brian; his grandnieces, Nadia and Miley; his grandnephews, Christian and Aidan; his special cousins, Lynn and Bruce; and his “forever friend,” Debbie.

Please join us on Monday, September 28, 2026 by 1 pm at the office, immediately inside the gates at Fernwood Cemetery, 6501 E. Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne, PA. We will process to the grave at 1 pm for a religious service to remember and pray for Bob. There he will be laid to rest with his parents. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bob's honor to his beloved Inglis House, 2600 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!