Bristol Twp. Council President Dies Suddenly At 76

Robert “Bob” Lewis Jr. watched Bristol Township grow into the diverse community of 54,500 during his decades of being a resident. From graduating Delhaas High School to working local little league, Lewis was a man who gave back to his community.

Lewis, 76, was found unresponsive inside his Croydon home Sunday morning. An ambulance was dispatched to the house at 6:30 a.m. and an initial investigation indicated Lewis died of natural causes, police said.

Lewis, president of the council, had close to 40 years of service to the residents of Bristol Township at the time of his death.

Councilwoman Amber Longhitano said she was shocked Sunday morning when she heard the news of Lewis’ death.

“He was in good health as far as we knew,” Longhitano said. “He was always go, go, go – emailing or talking at 2 a.m.”

Council members remembered Lewis’ devotion to the township and it’s residents.

Council Vice President Troy Brennan said Lewis “relished his role as the leader of the council.”

Councilman Craig Bowen said he will miss Lewis and his commitment to “transforming this township” as a member of the “Pro-Team.”

“Bob was our historian, leader and the captain of the team,” Bowen said in a statement, adding in a later phone interview that Lewis was like a grandfather to the council.

Bowen recalled how Lewis told him when he ran for council that his foray into politics would be an education better than any college could offer. “And he was right,” the councilman said while fondly recalling Lewis.

In honor of the longtime public servant, Township Manager Bill McCauley asked that all flags in Bristol Township fly at half-mast.

“We lost one of the great ones,” McCauley said in a statement. He also said Lewis is survived by his wife, Laura, and daughter.

Longhitano recalled growing up his daughter and Lewis’ campaigning.

“He was very dedicated to the township, going back to when I was in high school.”

Before recently joining council in 2010, Lewis had served as a Bristol Township Commissioner in the 1970s and 1980s. He also served as a council member and then mayor during a controversial period in the early 1990s. At that time, a battle ensued over the validly of Lewis holding the seat of mayor.

Lewis was well-spoken at council meetings and public events, many honoring residents and first responders.

Longhitano said Lewis was able to bring the “strong personalities” of council members and get them to work together.

“He had a good sense of humor that was incredible,” Bowen said.

At a 2013 concert in Croydon, Lewis was observed by a LevittownNow.com reporter taking in classic rock, tapping his foot and sitting in a lawn chair. He sat there in the town where he lived for nearly his entire life, graduated from high school and worked with little league teams.

“Bob was a truly lucky man,” Brennan said. “He had a wonderful family, he lived to see his dream come true, and he went out on top.”