Robert Reynold Shuck

Robert “Bob” Shuck, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in New Bern, NC. He was 90 years old and bravely battled Alzheimer's disease for 3 years. Bob lived an extraordinary life and was extremely devoted to his family, friends and community.

Bob touched so many lives in so many ways. He was passionate about chasing his dreams, service, leadership, and lending a hand whenever he could to help others. He was born in Cumberland, Maryland in 1933 to parents Robert “Red” Shuck and Pauline Shuck during the Great Depression. His family included 3 younger sisters - Sue, Carol, and Paula. He skipped a grade to graduate from high school at age 16, then joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1950 at age 17. He served in the Marine Corp from 1950 - 1952 during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Sergeant after 3 promotions in 2 years.

Using the GI Bill, he attended the University of Maryland where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. He was in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he served as Treasurer. He graduated from UM in 1957. Bob had fond memories of the great friends he made at UM, many of whom he stayed close to throughout his life. Two of his fraternity brothers became brothers-in-law: John Apel and Marvin Perry.

Bob was a sales pioneer and true entrepreneur in the information technology field. His career began at the Naval Ordnance Lab, and his later roles included sales engineer for LG White and Mohawk Data Systems, and executive partner at Data Systems Marketing. In the late 1980’s he was the founder and president of his own PC Technology company, Datek. He enjoyed technology and business and excelled at both. He was also quick to offer support and guidance to others regarding their education, careers, and personal pursuits.

He married Elizabeth “Betsy” Apel in 1960, who was the sister of his close friend John Apel. Bob and Betsy lived in Calverton, Maryland when they had their son Glenn and daughter Karen. The family moved a few times and had homes in Potomac MD, Valley Forge PA, Rockville MD, and Silver Spring MD. We enjoyed many years of good times with friends at our cabin in Deep Creek Lake, MD. Those fun memories include boating, water skiing, fishing, horseback riding, and snow skiing at Wisp. There were sunrises over the lake, spectacular Fall colors, 4th of July fireworks, and fireside Scrabble games.

Bob was an incredible skier and was utterly devoted to the sport until his later years. He skied at dozens of ski areas across the country. He had a memorable experience helicopter skiing near Banff in Canada. He formed the Silver Spring chapter of the Over the Hill Gang Ski Club - a fun group of fellow skiers who are over 50. Bob and Betsy had many ski adventures with the club and with family over the years.

Bob and Betsy retired to New Bern, NC in 1996, in the Fairfield Harbor community. They enjoyed golf, sailing, volunteering, and their beloved dogs Hansie, Misty and Raynee. Together they enjoyed taking trips to Europe, Canada, Mexico, and across the US. Bob served as Chairman of the Craven County Republican Party for 1 year. He was an amateur genealogist, researching his family’s history back to the 1700’s. He discovered we are descendants of Samuel Burroughs who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was a proud member of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and participated in many SAR activities, to honor the memory of those who bravely served and fell.

Sadly, Bob developed dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease in early 2021. When caring for him at home was no longer possible, he moved into Pathways Memory Care at Croatan Village in New Bern.

Bob is survived by Betsy, his wife of 64 years, son Glenn Shuck, daughter Karen Shuck, son-in-law Erik MacDonald, and grandchildren Jessica Villaire, Taylor Shuck, and Brandon Shuck. He lived an amazing life full of rich experiences and strong family ties. He served his country, community and church. He was also beloved by his parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws. We will miss him more than words can say.

A memorial service for Bob will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 1:00 in the afternoon, at First Presbyterian Church, 400 New Street, New Bern, NC. There will be A Service of Witness to the Resurrection, followed by interment of the ashes in the Memorial Garden, followed by a reception in the Session House.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.