Robert J. "Bob" Hein (1922-2011) Robert J. Hein, 89, of Drexel Hill, PA, a WWII Marine Veteran and Champion Ski Jumper, died May 19, 2011. Born in Ironwood Michigan to the late Leo and Lydia Hein, Bob graduated from Luther Wright High School in 1940. He entered the Marines shortly after graduation and served his country during WWII. Robert was discharged from the Philadelphia Navy Yard and met his wife Antoinette Taraborelli of 67 years on a blind date. Robert worked for Red Arrow Bus Lines in Llanarch for 35 years, retiring in 1981. During his childhood Robert became an accomplished ski jumper and competed Internationially for over 50 years often recieving Gold Metals in these events, he finally made his last jump at 78 years old and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Bob's athletic spirit allowed him to run the Broad Street, Marine's and Media 5 miler Marathons, he also enjoyed bicycling, and caddying at Merion, Rolling Green and Springfield Country Clubs for many years. He bowled with the AARP at Sproul Lanes and was a member of the American Legion in Upper Darby and VFW. He was the father of the Lydia Ann Hein. Survived by wife Antoinette "Tony", of Drexel Hill, 4 grandchildren Robert, David, Tina, and Michael, 5 greatgrandchildren Tiffany, Christina, Felisa, Brooklyn, and Michael. Graveside service Wednesday May 25, at 10:30am in Arlington Cemetery. Contributions to Wounded Warrior.

 

Bob Hein was an active ski jumper over a span of more than 70 years, and has probably participated in more competitions than any other American jumper in history. Bob was born on April 8, 1922 and passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at age 89. He grew up in Ironwood Michigan, where he began ski jumping at a young age. Bob was a good junior jumper and traveled as far south as Madison, Wisconsin to compete in Central meets. After serving in the U.S. Marines during WW-II, Bob settled in Philadelphia and soon resumed his jumping on the Eastern circuit. He was a regular for 40 years at Bear Mt. where four or five weekends of Saturday and Sunday jumping enabled him to log a huge number of competitions during his long career.   Bob with Hall of Fame Plaque Bob's jumping career was rejuvenated in his later years by the establishment of the U.S. National Age Group Championships in 1982 and then the International Masters Championships (IMC) in 1990. He took home many medals from these two events, including several gold medals, before he finally hung up his jumping skis at age 78. He was inducted into the U.S. Masters Ski Jumpers Hall of Fame in 1992. Bob claimed to suffer from performance anxiety but he was always ready to entertain at ski jump banquets with a couple of old ski jumping songs. Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Tony, who resides at 832 Gainsboro Rd. Drexel Hill, PA, 19026.     Phone (610) 789-5995 [DCW May 2011]

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