Robert "Bob" Frederick Wilt, 79, of Hanover Township, Northampton County, PA, passed away at home on July 24, 2025, under the care of The Care Team Hospice. Bob was born to the late Harry Elwood and E. Dorothy (Frederick) Wilt on December 22, 1945. He married Diane (Garland) Hottle Wilt on January 10, 1987. Bob met Diane when he was the photographer at the wedding to her first husband in 1982. Her first husband died in 1985.

Bob was a 1963 graduate of Liberty High School. He attended Lehigh University for several semesters and was graduated from Moravian College in 1973. Most of his worklife was spent in retail management. He first worked at Two Guys in Bethlehem. When that store closed, he went to work for K-Mart on Route 191. His total employment in retail spanned more than 30 years. He last worked for the US Postal Service, retiring at the age of 67.

Bob was a local author of railroad history and a world-known photographer. His railroad photographic precision led many to seek out his work for various books, magazine articles, and calendars. He began photographing trains around the age of 16 so he had photos of railroad lines that no longer exist.

He also provided wedding photography for many friends, family members and co-workers.

In retirement, Bob worked closely with Morning Sun Books to write documentary-style books on railroad history. His first book was on the Bethlehem Steel and how the rail lines provided the ore to the plant and through the entire steel-making process.

Bob was the last surviving charter member of the Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers, a Bethlehem railroad club that models trains. He was also a member of the National Railway Historical Society, the Anthracite Railroads Historical Society, and the Steelworkers Archives.

Bob traveled to all 50 states except Hawaii, taking photos of any shortline or major railroad in his travels. For a college graduation gift, his parents took him to Europe where they spent two weeks traveling from country to country by train. He had traveled to Canada and Mexico as well, to photograph trains in those countries. Bob had railroad contacts throughout the world, corresponding with friends in Germany, Chile, England, Australia and Canada.

Bob was an active member of St. Thomas United Church of Christ, Bethlehem, PA, where he formerly served as a member of the Governing Board.

Survivors: Bob will be missed by many, especially by his wife, Diane. He is survived by his cousins, Larry Frederick and his family; Janice (Frederick) Parsons and her family; his in-laws, Laurann and Harold Stoneback and their family; Daniel and Jane Garland and their family. He will also be missed by the many friends he made over the years.

Service: Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA, from 7 to 9:00PM on Thursday, July 31, 2025. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 902 E. Macada Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18017 at 11:00AM on Friday, August 1, 2025. An additional viewing will be held from 10 to 11:00AM on Friday, August 1, 2025 at the church. Business casual dress is acceptable. Please record a memory at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: Donations may be made in Bob's memory to the church.