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Robert Joseph Bulgarelli
<p><p>Robert “Bob” Bulgarelli, D.O., 63, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife Jeanne Wesch and family on October 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disease.</p><p><br></p><p>Born on July 13, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bob was the beloved son of the late Donald J. and Rosemary Bulgarelli and stepson of Amelia Murray Bulgarelli. He lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether as a physician, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, or mentor, Bob's greatest satisfaction came from supporting the people around him and making their lives better.</p><p><br></p><p>A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bob dedicated more than three decades to cardiology. He spent many years at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and Main Line Health Riddle in Media, Pennsylvania, and later continued serving patients at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. To his colleagues, he was a respected and skilled physician. To his patients, he was much more. Bob had a remarkable ability to connect with people during some of their most difficult moments, offering not only expert medical care but also reassurance, empathy, and hope. </p><p><br></p><p>While his professional accomplishments were significant, Bob's greatest joy was his family. He was a proud and devoted father to his daughters, Mallory Baldo (Nick), Meredith Kirkland (Andy), and Madison Bulgarelli. He found immense happiness in watching his children grow, pursue their dreams, and build lives of their own. Over the years, Bob was blessed with a large extended family that he embraced wholeheartedly. He welcomed his stepchildren, Meghan Patton (John), Ryan Long (Alison), Brendan Long (Colleen), Rachel Wesch, Kevin Wesch, and Peyton Wesch, with warmth, generosity, and love.</p><p><br></p><p>Nothing brought Bob more happiness than being "Grampy" to his grandchildren: Noemi Baldo, Andrew Kirkland, Jack Patton, Luke Patton, Sloane Patton, Raleyn Long, and Conor Long. He delighted in their milestones, celebrated their accomplishments, and treasured every moment spent with them. His grandchildren brought him endless pride, laughter, and joy.</p><p><br></p><p>Bob's interests extended well beyond medicine. A self-taught guitarist, he found joy and relaxation in music throughout his life. He was also an accomplished swimmer who loved teaching and coaching the sport through college and into medical school. Whether helping a young swimmer improve, mentoring a colleague, caring for a patient, or encouraging a family member, Bob had a natural gift for teaching and inspiring others. He believed in people and took satisfaction in helping them recognize their own potential.</p><p><br></p><p>In recent years, Bob faced the challenges of MSA with extraordinary courage and grace. Although the disease gradually took much from him physically, it never diminished his spirit, his kindness, or his love for those around him. He met adversity with determination, dignity, and a quiet strength that inspired his family and friends.</p><p><br></p><p>Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne; his daughters, Mallory Baldo (Nick), Meredith Kirkland (Andy), and Madison Bulgarelli; his stepchildren, Meghan Patton (Jon), Ryan Long (Alison), Brendan Long (Colleen), Rachel Wesch, Kevin Wesch, and Peyton Wesch; his cherished grandchildren, Noemi Baldo, Andrew Kirkland, Jack Patton, Luke Patton, Sloane Patton, Raelyn Long, and Conor Long; his siblings, Michael Bulgarelli (Sharon), James Bulgarelli (Kristin), Kevin Bulgarelli (Karen), and Donna Marie Bulgarelli; Jeanne’s parents Daniel and Barbara Naughton; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, colleagues, and grateful patients whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.</p><p><br></p><p>Those who knew Bob will remember his warm smile, his generous heart, his love of family, and his willingness to help anyone in need. His legacy lives on not only in the countless patients whose lives he improved, but also in the family he adored, the friends he cherished, and the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.</p><p><br></p><p>Never underestimate the difference you have made and the lives you have touched.</p><p><br></p><p>A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, with The Rev. Fr. Alfred P. Sceski serving as celebrant. Interment will be held in the Hershey Cemetery. A viewing will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown. A viewing will also be held at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass.</p><p><br></p><p>Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc. 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown has been entrusted with the arrangements.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions in memory of Dr Bob Bulgarelli be made to Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026 www.brainsupportnetwork.org. </p><p> </p><p>Online condolences may be shared at www.trefzandbowser.com.</p><p><br></p></p>July 13, 1963 - October 9, 202607/13/196310/09/2026
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Robert Joseph Bulgarelli
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