Robert Bob Kenworthy, who served for many years as the sports information director and assistant public relations director at Gettysburg College, passed away on January 27 at Gettysburg Hospital. He was 89 years old at the time of his death.
Kenworthy was involved in the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Highlights
- Robert Kenworthy married Margaret M. Redding in 1961, and together they had four children: Stephanie Justen, R. Bradley, Christopher, and Andrew.
- His wife of 63 years was incredibly proud of all that he had accomplished throughout his life.
- He was also active in many local organizations. Kenworthy served on the Gettysburg/Adams County Chamber of Commerce.
He received several honors from CoSIDA, including the 25-year Award in 1985, the Warren Berg Award in 1989, and induction into CoSIDA’s Hall of Fame in 1990.
Kenworthy was inducted into several Hall of Fames, including the Adams County and South Central chapters of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Gettysburg College Hall of Athletic Honor, and the Delone Hall of Honor.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret M. (Redding) Kenworthy, and their four children.
Family And Community Mourn The Loss Of Robert B. Kenworthy
He married Margaret M. (Redding) Kenworthy in 1961, and together they had four children: Stephanie Justen, R. Bradley, Christopher, and Andrew.
He had eight grandchildren: Abigail, Caleigh, Peter, Bridget Justen, Zachery, Hannah, Alison Kenworthy, and Lexie Poe.
His wife of 63 years was incredibly proud of all that he had accomplished throughout his life.
Robert B. Kenworthy began his career in sports writing while still in high school, contributing to the Gettysburg Times and working as a stringer for the Hanover Evening Sun and Harrisburg Patriot-News.
When Radio Station WGET launched in 1950, he and Gettysburg High School student Jim Coleman hosted a Saturday morning sports show, which became the longest-running program.
They also did play-by-play commentary for local high school and college football games.
In 1959, Kenworthy was appointed as Gettysburg College’s first full-time sports information director, a role he held until retiring in 1999.
He also continued his work with the Gettysburg Times, writing the “Out of the Past” column for 51 years.
During the Eisenhower presidency, he covered the activities of David Eisenhower as a stringer for Newsweek Magazine.
Moreover, Kenworthy was involved in the Middle Atlantic States, Centennial, and Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conferences (ECAC), serving on all three sports information director boards.
He was also active in many local organizations. Kenworthy served on the Gettysburg and Adams County Chamber of Commerce and College-Community Relations boards.
He was a long-time member of the Gettysburg Little League, including three years as president, and was part of the Gettysburg Recreation Board.
Kenworthy played an essential role in St. Francis Xavier Parish, where he served on the Parish Council, was one of the first lectors, and later helped teach others to become lectors.
He also worked with Delone Catholic High School, leading its 75th Anniversary campaign and serving as president of the PTO.
Additional Information
- His brother, Philip H. Kenworthy, and his sister-in-law, Mary M. Kenworthy, preceded him in death.
- A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, located at 25 W. High Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325, with Rev. Fr. Michael Pray as the celebrant.
- In 1948, Robert B. Kenworthy contracted polio.
