Robert William Nappen

ROBERT (Bob) WILLIAM NAPPEN, 80, of Boca Raton, Florida, died on March 9, 2023. Beloved husband of Madeline (nee Hankin); loving father of Allan (Julie) Nappen and Dara Nappen King; cherished grandfather of Wesley, Aaron, Evan,Brandon, Rachel, and Colby; brother of Sheila and the late Barnett;  brother-in-law of Ina and George Hankin and Mark and Helene Hankin and loved by many cousins, nieces, and nephews, employees/ associates and contractors.

Robert was born in Philadelphia to his parents Albert and Sadie in 1943.  At an early age, he showed the world his mechanical ability when he came in 1st winning a prestigious award as the number one high school mechanic in Pennsylvania by disassembling, diagnosing and reassembling an auto engine in record time.  Impressing the judges with his accuracy, speed, and ability to diagnose things they hadn’t even been looking for.  A passion for cars ran deep and followed him throughout his life. He took this love with him into his first career owning and operating multiple gas/service stations with his brother. 

Robert married his wife Maddie just before entering the military. Their love story began when Maddie was 14 and Robert was 19.  They grew their love into a family over the next 56 years.  Robert served in the Army as military police for 2 years beginning December 2, 1966. During this time he also tinkered with cars on the military base. 

Robert and Barnett started 309 Development Company in 1969.  His father-in-law Perch Hankin offered to teach him the industrial development business but Robert chose to continue the partnership with his brother as they shifted from the gas stations into the construction business.  The business was formed with his wife, brother Barnett and sister-in-law.  Due to health reasons, Robert and Maddie bought out Barnett and Marilyn’s shares of the business and the business was renamed Nappen & Associates. Over the last 50 plus years, Robert grew Nappen & Associates into a leading development and management company with approximately four million square feet of industrial buildings. Robert remained in the business until the day of his death. Even on his last day he talked about how the community of people surrounding him in the business is what led to its success.  Robert was a very humble man with a strong code of ethics that was based on loyalty, honesty and integrity that was known and respected in the community. These values have been shared with his children and grandchildren as they continue his legacy of hard work through collaborative efforts. 

Robert’s love of cars never waned. As a way to reconnect with his love of cars, he purchased several auto dealerships. At the time of his death he remained dealer principal of Cherry Hill Nissan, Montgomeryville Acura and Montgomeryville Nissan.   

He was known to be a man of quiet compassion with love for so many.  He was a loving father to his children and a father figure to so many others.  A mentor, a role model for honor, integrity, love of family, community, and commitment to those he interacted with. He was/is so loved and respected by his family and his community.  Robert’s mild manner was enhanced with a sharp wit, sensitivity and vibrant sense of humor. Please join us at shiva to share your stories of love, respect, and laughter.    

Relatives and friends are invited to funeral services on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM precisely at Congregation Beth Or,  239 Welsh Road, Ambler, PA 19002. Shiva to follow at the late residence on Wednesday following internment approximately 2:00 pm and Thursday after 12:00 pm. Friends may also visit at the late residence on Friday, March 17, 2023 between 12:00 and 3:00 PM. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of North Penn Valley www.npvclub.org/donate,

the Kelley Anne Dolan Memorial Fund www.dolanfund.org, or Magen David Adom https://afmda.org/