Chapter Eternal: Philip Robling Jr. ’80

May 20, 2024May 20, 2024 (0 comments)

We are saddened to report that Phil Robling ‘80 has passed away and entered the Chapter Eternal. Phil was a winner of The Heise Award (Gamma Chi Alumnus of the Year) in 2018 and served on our House Corporation 2009-2019. Phil always was an active supporter of the chapter as an alum going back 40 years.

All honor to his name.

Obituary source courtesy of Dignity Memorial

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Philip (Phil) Robling, Jr., born on May 13, 1957, who peacefully left this world on Saturday, April 20, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at AccentCare Hospice in Baltimore, MD.

The youngest child of Philip Robling, Sr., and Irene (Hanns) Robling, Phil spent his entire life in Maryland, graduating from Springbrook High School and the University of Maryland. Phil was united in marriage to Marjorie (Margie) Novak on September 19, 1997.

Starting in high school, Phil worked in the college textbook industry for most of his career, first at Maryland Book Exchange, then at Prince Georges Community College and lastly his own store – Towson Book Exchange at Towson University. Towson Book Exchange was a labor of love for him, creating his own bookstore family which still survives today.

An active member of his college fraternity, Sigma Chi, Phil was awarded the Jack Heise Award in 2017 for Volunteer Alumnus of the Year. Phil always maintained a close relationship with his fraternity brothers. He loved sports and loved being a Terp as well as a supporter of the Orioles, Washington Nationals, Ravens, Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs. Phil’s other love was being a Parrothead – he loved Jimmy Buffet.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margie Robling, his son, John Robling of Baltimore MD, and stepson, Dan Novak of Crofton MD. He is also survived by sisters Margaret (Marge) Robling (Brian DeLong), and Irene (Ikie) Robling, nephew Kyle and nieces Kathryn and Jessica. Phil is also survived by his Missouri in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Phil’s legacy will live on through the lives he has touched, and his memory will be cherished forever by all who had the privilege of knowing him and being a part of his life. He will be missed, but never forgotten by his many friends, former co-workers, neighbors as well as his family.

A Celebration of Life is planned for June 1st at the Bowie Elks Lodge 2309 from 2pm to 5pm, 1506 Defense Hwy, Gambrills, MD 20154.