Robert A. ‘Rob’ Anders, 36, a beloved resident of Kingston, left this world unexpectedly and much too soon on the evening of Wednesday, March 5, 2025. His passing, the result of injuries sustained in a tragic fall at his home, has left an immense void in the lives of his family, friends, and community. Those who knew Rob will remember him for his infectious smile, boundless energy, and unwavering love for life and the people in it.
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Rob was born on July 15, 1988, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, the cherished son of Bruce K. Anders and Kathy Crossin Anders. The younger of two children, he shared a lifelong bond with his sister, Kara, one that epitomized the true essence of sibling love and camaraderie. Rob and Kara were inseparable from childhood through adulthood, supporting each other through every triumph and challenge life presented.
Growing up in Kingston, Rob attended Wyoming Valley West High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented athlete and an exceptional student.
He excelled in both basketball and golf, demonstrating not only remarkable skill but also leadership and sportsmanship that endeared him to teammates and coaches alike. His dedication to athletics was only matched by his academic ambition, which set the foundation for his future successes.
Upon graduating from Wyoming Valley West High School in 2007, Rob pursued higher education at Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 2011. His time at Villanova was transformative, shaping him into the driven and accomplished individual he became.
He was not only an avid student but also an enthusiastic supporter of the university’s basketball team, a passion that he shared with his father. The two embarked on countless trips to watch Villanova play across the country, creating memories that would be cherished forever.
Rob’s aspirations led him to the West Coast, where he attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. In 2015, he graduated with his Juris Doctorate, marking the beginning of his journey in the legal profession.
He remained in California for two years after law school, residing in the vibrant Pacific Beach community, where he developed a love for the coastal lifestyle. However, his heart was always tied to Pennsylvania, and in due course, he returned to his roots in the Wyoming Valley.
Professionally, Rob was deeply dedicated to the practice of law, working alongside his father as a partner at Anders Law in Plains Township. He was a respected member of several prestigious legal organizations, including the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association, the Lackawanna County Bar Association, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
His clients and colleagues admired him not only for his legal acumen but also for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rob lived a life filled with adventure, passion, and meaningful connections. His love for Villanova basketball never wavered, and he continued to travel extensively to support his alma mater’s team.
He also found great joy in golf, spending countless hours on the course with his father, particularly at their beloved Fox Hill Country Club in Exeter. His appreciation for the sport took him to some of the finest courses in the country, but none held a place in his heart quite like Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California.
Rob’s thirst for adventure extended far beyond sports. He was an avid traveler who took great pleasure in exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
One of his most cherished memories was his time in Prague, Czech Republic, where he participated in a study abroad program while attending Villanova. The experience deepened his appreciation for history, art, and the beauty of the world, a passion he carried with him throughout his life.
At the core of Rob’s world was his family. His parents, Bruce and Kathy, were his unwavering pillars of support, and his bond with his mother was especially profound.
The two were an inseparable team, whether engaged in deep conversations, playing their favorite card games, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Rob’s devotion to his loved ones extended beyond his immediate family. He was a caring and loyal friend who always made time for those who mattered most to him.
A special place in Rob’s heart was reserved for his cherished Shih Tzu, Otis. More than just a pet, Otis was Rob’s loyal companion and best friend. Together, they were a dynamic duo, bringing joy and laughter to everyone around them. Otis provided unwavering companionship through life’s highs and lows, a testament to the deep connection they shared.
Rob was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Anthony and Julie Anders; his maternal grandparents, Francis and Helen Crossin; and his uncle and namesake, Dr. Robert Crossin. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who loved him, but his spirit and memory will continue to shine brightly.
Left to cherish Rob’s legacy are his parents, Bruce and Kathy Anders of Kingston; his beloved sister, Kara Anders of Kingston; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and an extensive network of friends and colleagues who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rob’s funeral, which will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 9:30 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM at Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, 339 North Maple Avenue, Kingston, officiated by Monsignor David L. Tressler, his pastor.
Following the Mass, Rob will be laid to rest in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Township, where he will find eternal peace.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM and again on Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to attend and celebrate the life of an extraordinary man who touched so many lives.
To share a memory of Rob or express condolences to his family, please visit the funeral home’s website at www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com or their Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Rob’s honor to the Commission on Economic Opportunity, Weinberg Food Bank, 165 Amber Lane, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, or to St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 339 N. Maple Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704.
Rob’s time on this earth was far too short, but his legacy of kindness, love, and passion for life will endure forever. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
