Robert Andrew Settles

Robert Andrew Settles, age 75, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 from the effects of congestive heart failure. Born in Columbus, Ohio on January 18, 1939, Andy was the son of the late Albert Marcus Settles and Helen Golembeiski Settles. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Physics and a PhD in Physics. He would later accept a position with the DuPont Company where his career involved using lasers in non-intrusive measurement practices in chemical plants. He was recognized for his work with composites in developing a spinning jet, and concluded his career with patent liaison activities. Andy was a man of science who loved outdoor activities, especially camping, sailing, and traveling. Andy was very proud and supportive of the accomplishments of his wife and sons, as each pursued an academic career as faculty members at the University of Delaware, University of Florida, and Rutgers University. He enjoyed reading, reviewing, and editing their academic papers and dissertations. After retiring, he was able to travel extensively with his wife and organized family cruises in the Caribbean, Greek Islands, and Australia. He was also able to devote time to his passion for sailing, especially cruising and racing on the Chesapeake Bay. His grandsons are now enjoying his last sailboat, the Pretendre II. He appreciated opera and classical music, enjoyed handcrafts, including woodworking and weaving, and was concerned about social justice and equity. Andy served as treasurer of the Newark Day Nursery, was active in Boy Scouting, was a past commodore of the Columbia Sailing Association, and served as the Executive Director of the Delaware Panama Partners of the Americas. A third of Andy’s life was made possible by a bone marrow transplant treatment for B Cell Lymphoma that he received at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center and subsequent supportive medical treatment. The family extends their sincere thanks to the many professionals who provided excellent care during his illness. Andy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Halliday Settles, PhD; sons, Alexander Matthew Settles, PhD of Summit, New Jersey and Andrew Mark Settles, PhD of Gainesville, Florida and his wife, Patricia Moussatche, PhD; and 3 grandchildren, Alina Settles, Matthew Moussatche Settles, and David Moussatche Settles. In addition to his parents, Andy was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Jackson. Family and friends are invited to visit from 3 pm until 4 pm and again from 6 pm until 8 pm on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2014 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark. A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Thursday morning, June 26, 2014, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Mt. Erin Cemetery, Havre de Grace, MD.