Obituary of Robert E. Cain

Robert E. Cain, a retired business owner and lifelong resident of Norristown, passed away at Mercy Suburban Hospital on May 29 with his family by his side. He was 84 years old. Robert, known as Bob, was born October 22, 1929, in Norristown, PA, the son of the late Marion T. (née Pickell) and Charles S. Cain. He resided at Shannondell in Audubon with his beloved wife, Jane Lobnitz Hagner-Cain. Bob was a 1949 graduate of Norristown High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the National Guard. Bob was the owner and CEO of Samson Paper Company, where he began his career as a salesman in 1956. Bob became executive vice president in 1961 and eventually president of Samson. He successfully expanded the business, adding to Samson's capabilities by purchasing the Fidelity Engraving Company in 1975. Through the years, Bob successfully developed these businesses into thriving companies, from which he retired in 1995. Bob was very proud of his success with Samson Paper Company and did not view it as work, often telling others, "If you love what you do, it's not work." Bob had a lifelong interest in real estate investment, owning properties Ocean City, New Jersey; Jupiter and Pompano Beach, Florida; and St. Croix, Virgin Islands. In 1996, after his retirement from Samson Paper, Bob became president and co-owner of CDMM, Inc. (also known as Diliberto and Murphy Realtors). Bob loved competition. Games, sports, and athletics—particularly football and basketball—were a large part of his life. Bob played basketball for Norristown High School and was a member Norristown's only boys state championship team in 1948. Bob also played linebacker and center for the Norristown High School football team. Throughout his life, Bob continued to play basketball, converting the garage at his home into a small indoor court. He was especially proud of the hundreds of friends who played there. Bob usually kept a basketball and sneakers in the trunk of his car and was always willing to play a game. Well into his 70s, Bob could still be found on the court playing, often with others less than half his age. Volleyball was also a passion, and he frequently organized games on the 3rd Street beach in Ocean City, New Jersey. He also enjoyed tennis, chess, bridge, and pinochle. Bob was an active member of the Norristown Area High School (NAHS) Hall of Champions Association, serving as a board member and chair of the Hall of Champions selection committee. He was inducted into the NAHS Hall of Fame in 2003. He was also very involved with his NHS Class of 1949 high school reunion committee, chairing several of the reunions. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Norristown since 1954, serving as an elder, trustee, and board president. He also served the Philadelphia Presbytery as vice-moderator. In his later years he often attended First Baptist Church of Norristown. Additionally, Bob was a 32nd-degree mason. An energetic and active man, Bob loved to travel. In addition to each of the 50 states (except Alaska), Bob visited many countries in Europe and the Caribbean, as well as China, Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand. Most of all, Bob will be remembered for his kind heart and love for family and friends, particularly his devotion to his parents. He had a strong bond with his brothers and sisters and was always there for them when needed. Bob was generous in assisting and sharing his experience and advice with family, friends, and employees. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments, cherishing the time he spent with them as they grew up. In addition to his wife, Jane, Bob is survived by one son, Robert, Jr. of New York City, NY; three daughters, Cindy (James) Serratore of East Norriton, Sherry (Tony) Ordway of Worcester, and Sandy of Norristown; a stepdaughter, Debby Hagner of Brookhaven; a sister, Judy Michaels of Jeffersonville; grandchildren Jim Serratore, Joshua (Agnieszka) Cain, Alicia (Jason) Hemmerich, Daniel Ferry, Shane and Melanie Ordway, and Luca and Cory Barton-Cain; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Charles "Honey," Walter "Brud," and Kenneth; and four sisters, Marion "Sis" Bellak, June Cain Miller Henry, Joan McKernan, and Jane Pires. A memorial service will be held at Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, 1921 W. Main Street, Jeffersonville, PA on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Visitation will be from 8:30AM – 10:50 AM with the service to start at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's memory to the First Baptist Church, 445 Burnside Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403, Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601or Norristown Area Education Foundation, 401 N. Whitehall Road, Norristown, PA 19403 for support of the new stadium.