Robert John Atkins passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 101 in Amelia, Virginia. Known affectionately as Bob, he was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and was a devoted family man, lifelong running enthusiast, food safety professional, and World War II veteran.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Rina Dalla Palu Atkins, also of Allentown. He is survived by his sister, Rose Kurtz of Allentown; his two daughters, Alicia Jarman and her husband, Rick, of Vienna, Virginia, and Patricia Atkins and her husband, Doug Foster, of Amelia, Virginia; four grandchildren, David Jarman and his wife Courtney, Gregory Jarman, Colin Noel, and Allison Lee and her husband Chris; seven great-grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews.

During World War II, Bob served in the South Pacific as a Navy Corpsman attached to the 2nd Marine Division. After returning home, he graduated from St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and began a career as a food safety biochemist with BestFoods Inc. in New Jersey. While living in Roselle, New Jersey, he was active in the Church of St. Joseph the Carpenter and served as president of its Little League program.

When BestFoods acquired Dutch Pantry Restaurants, Bob was promoted to product development and food safety manager in Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania. He and his family lived in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was active in Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church and served as a Eucharistic minister.

Upon retirement, Bob and Rina moved to Winchester, Virginia. There, he became active in the local running club and continued competing in races—and earning medals—well into his 90s. He also volunteered with CCAP, a faith-supported nonprofit social services organization.

Bob will be remembered with love for his stories, his humor, and his devotion to family. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, in memory of Robert Atkins, to support the School of Science. St. Francis Forever-Make A Gift- Make A Gift .

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10am with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am all held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 130 Keating Drive, Winchester, VA 22601 Winchester, VA. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 115 E. Bond St., Winchester, VA 22601.