Bob Warkulwiz

Bob Warkulwiz January 30, 1946 – September 27, 2025 Bob Warkulwiz passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, mentorship, and spirit. His family, friends, colleagues, and students will dearly miss him. Born on January 30, 1946, Bob lived with his parents, Agnes and Felix, and brother, Charles, in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, where they owned and operated Wark’s Seafood. Felix became absent when Bob was 13, leaving Agnes to raise the boys and manage the store. Agnes was a brilliant woman who not only taught Bob how to run a business, but also how to make a mean fried oyster. Charles defended Bob in neighborhood brawls and acted as his father figure. Hard-scrabble Kensington gave Bob’s personality a pugilistic edge, but his sincerity and intelligence shone through art and music. He was an impressive student and earned a full scholarship to Temple’s prestigious Tyler School of Art in Elkins Park. Bob’s graphic design ability made him one of the area’s most coveted artists. After stints at TV Guide and Bruno Mease, he opened his own firms, Baseline Studio and Warkulwiz Design Associates. His clients included Citibank, Hess Oil, Aramark, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He called the shots for more than 40 years—and wouldn’t have it any other way. He was also a founding member of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. His gifts extended to teaching, educating multiple generations of students at the University of the Arts (then Philadelphia College of Art), Jefferson (then Philadelphia University), and Drexel. He was a beloved professor known for his ingenious and conscientious approach. This brilliant artist and insightful teacher was athletic, too. Years of pickup baseball games made him a formidable first baseman. Though he garnered the attention of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ scouts in high school, he turned down the minor leagues and played for Temple’s varsity team and numerous baseball and softball clubs after graduation. Later in life, he became a serious tennis player and joined Germantown Cricket Club, his home away from home for 38 years. Bob was a gifted singer who would accompany brother Charles when he played the accordion. As the life of any party, Bob would often sing impromptu at events. His Sinatra renditions at the weddings of his daughter, son, and godchild were legendary. Bob was a quick wit, a skillful cook, a bar trivia award-winner, and a die-hard fan of the Philadelphia Phillies (never missing a game on TV). The Warkulwiz Family will always remember his loyalty and strength as their guiding patriarch. He was a devoted romantic to his wife of 43 years and a north star for his children and grandchildren. They will miss his home-cooked meals, serenades, sense of humor, and, of course, his signature mustache. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Winters; his children Jennifer Meissner, James (Lindsey), and Grace (Brian) Clinton; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. His life will be celebrated this winter for his 80th birthday. If you wish to remember Bob, the family kindly asks that donations in his name be made to the St. Margaret School.

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Bob Warkulwiz

January 30, 1946 - September 27, 2025