Robert James Tribbitt (Bob), 76 years old, from Elsmere, Delaware passed away at his home on July 2nd, 2024.

Bob had recently been diagnosed with Lung cancer, he was preparing to battle this disease and unfortunately his battle was cut short.  Born to his parents, James & Mildred Tribbitt January 2, 1948.  Bob is survived by his children, John Tribbitt, Deanna Marcelo (Victor); Grandchildren, Wesley Tribbitt (Molly), Kyle Tribbitt (Amy), Marshall Tribbitt (Brittany), Aaron Tribbitt, Michael Rinehart, Matt Rinehart (Becca), Victor Marcelo, IV and Luke Marcelo.  Great Grandchildren, Chase, Aubrey, Charlotte, Maddie and Savannah, Allison, Connor, Brandon; his siblings Jean Oliver (Bob) and sister Patricia Tribbitt.  Also leaving behind his beloved cat, Bailey, who provided great comfort to him.

He is predeceased in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Marcie Jean Tribbitt, and his parents James and Mildred Tribbitt, and daughter in-law, John's wife, Donna, and niece, Sherry, Michael's wife.

Robert grew up in the Cheswold and Dover area and attended Dover High School.  After High School he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he was eventually stationed in Alaska.  He loved the beautiful scenery and spoke of one day returning.  After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Delaware and joined his father at the family business, "Tribbitt's Car Repair and Towing", he worked side by side with his father and learned everything about cars.  "Tinkering" on cars became a lifelong passion.

Robert joined the Cheswold Fire Department and proudly served his community and making lifelong friends.  While visiting a cousin in Wilmington, he set eyes on "the love of his life", Marcie Duffin, who would later become his wife.  They settled in the Wilmington area, enjoying many blissful years of marriage before her passing in 2020.  Robert not only gained a beautiful wife, he became a devoted father to her two children, John & Deanna, whom he officially adopted, and gave them his name.  His greatest life achievement, that he was proudest of, was becoming their father, and they loved him more than anything.

Throughout Bob's life of being around cars, he developed a love for antique cars.  He acquired the other "LOVE" of his life when he bought his 1957, Pontiac Star Chief. This car was his pride and joy, right after his wife and kids.  He would explain to those who would listen that this car was a very limited edition and only so many were produced, and even less were available out there.  The crowning moment was having his car selected to be used in the movie, "Dead Poets Society", filmed in Delaware at the St. Andrews School in 1989.  Next time you get a chance to watch the movie, look for his car; and have fond memories of Bob.

Bob and Marcie loved taking the car to Antique Car shows in the area.  When Deanna married, she and Victor rode in the Pontiac and Bob's friends supplied the wedding party with a variety of antique cars.

Bob will always be remembered by his family and friends as a hardworking, steady guy that you could always count on .  Who loved his family, his wife, his kids, his car and his cat......

A visitation will be held Monday, July 8, 2024 from 5:00PM to 6:00PM at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 followed by a funeral service at 6:00PM. Burial will be private.