The Lord decided it was time to call Robert D. “Bob” Sands Sr. to join his heavenly chorus and band on June 18, 2026. Bob was at home at the time but joyfully accepted the invitation.
Born in Pottstown on February, 9, 1951, he was the son of the late Dorothy M. Sands and Douglass W. Sands. Bob’s love of music started early in his life when he took up the drumsticks and made playing the drums an integral part of his life from that point on.
In fact, the drums eventually led him to join a rock band as a hobby, and that ultimately led to his introduction to Susan (Thomas) while performing at a local tavern. The couple married in 1974 and went on to make their own sweet music for 52 years. He was a proud father of Lisa, William, and Robert, Jr. He was predeceased by a son, Nathan.
Bob was a devoted caregiver who spent his entire 40-year working career with Citi Financial and its predecessors, where he was a financial advisor. His soft-spoken, gentle demeanor led to countless new accounts being opened and resulted in several professional accolades over the years.
Besides playing and hanging out with his bandmates, Bob found immense joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and Sue went out of their way to attend musicals and plays, sporting events, and other activities that the kids were involved in.
Bob was also passionate about his favorite sports teams, the Phillies and Eagles. He made plenty of room in his dressers and closet for shirts, pants, caps and other fan gear that he typically wore on game days. And even though it took decades before both teams claimed world titles, Bob stuck with them through thick and thin.
When he wasn’t playing music, he was avidly listening to it. His musical tastes ranged from his favorite rock band, The Beatles, to other rock musicians from the ‘60s and ‘70s as well as spiritual tunes. Bob also loved to cook, and was insistent on whipping up scrumptious holiday meals for family and friends. Bob even dabbled in bird watching later in life, setting up a bird feeder/camera on his deck and being entertained as the tiny critters flitted about.
Bob was a graduate of Pottsgrove High School and was a member of the Pottsgrove Community band for many years. He also played with the Pottstown Band and Glee Club in his younger years. He was a member of Cedarville United Methodist Church and a longtime choir member at First United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his sisters, Meredith (Merry) Sands and Patricia Rau; and predeceased by a brother, William. Other survivors include his grandchildren Jessica, Justin, Sierra, Madison, Zachary, Joshua, and Haleigh; 6 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Bob’s easygoing and friendly personality also led to many lasting friendships.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m., with a family visitation starting at 10 a.m. at Cedarville United Methodist Church in Pottstown.
Donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the American Heart Association by calling 800-242-8721 or going online at www.heart.org.