Robert M. Aiken. . . . . Times News . . . January 26. 2005

Robert M. "Bob" Aiken, 84, of 19 Bull Run St., Coaldale, died Tuesday (January 25) in the Lehigh Valley Hospital - Allentown.

Prior to retiring, he had been employed by the Public Service Electric and Gas Company, Newark, N.J., as senior electrical designer. He had previously been employed as a plant project engineer for the Bechtel Power Corporation of San Francisco, Cal., and had also worked at the Berwick Nuclear Power Plant.

Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Andrew and Pearl (Mitchell) Aiken.

A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Amphibious Corps in the South and Central Pacific Theaters.

A 1938 graduate of the former Coaldale High School, he earned an engineering degree from Rutgers University in 1949.

A charter member and past commander of the Schuylkill-Carbon Detachment 626 of the Marine Corps League, he was an active participant in the Toys For Tots program and was a charter member of the Coaldale V.F.W. Post 6382.

In 1997, Aiken was honored for his 50 years of service as a member of Masonic Loyalty Lodge 33 of Union, N.J. He was also a meber of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Forest 6 of Elizabeth, N.J.

A trumpet player, he was a past member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 26 of Newark, N.J., and organized and led the public service engineering department danced band. He also played in numerous bands and orchestras in the Newark and North Jersey areas.

Surviving are a son, Robert M., II, and his wife, Robin, of Tunkhannock; a daughter, Beverly Bochak of Lake Winola; a brother, Russell of Macungie; and nieces and nephews.

The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of arrangements.