In Memoriam: Robert 'Bobby' Hammel

ALLENTOWN, Penn. – The pest control industry mourns the loss of Robert “Bobby” Hammel, who passed away on Dec. 13, at 71, after fighting a seven-year battle with cancer.

The former co-owner of J.C. Ehrlich, Hammel helped build his organization into North America’s largest family-owned pest management company before it was sold to Rentokil in 2006, as recounted in his 2012 Crown Leadership Award profile.

The sons of Simon and Ernestine Hammel, Bobby and his three brothers became involved in Reading, Pa.-based J.C. Ehrlich early in life. Watching their mother work in the office and their father oversee every aspect of the business, they did whatever they could to help.

By the time he headed off to college in 1969, he looked forward to new challenges. But Bobby’s cousin, Richard Yashek, who had been with J.C. Ehrlich since 1949, convinced him to give pest management a chance, even though Bobby had hated the single entomology course he took while attending Pennsylvania State University to earn his political science degree.

At J.C. Ehrlich, brothers Bobby, who became regional manager, and Victor, who became president and CEO, virtually never disagreed, Victor said.

"Whenever I had an idea for a change, Bobby was the first person I checked with because Bobby had best insight as to what technicians, supervisors, sales and office personnel would think about it," he told PCT.

Stated in his obituary, Hammel was a community leader, serving as past president of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, honorary vice president of the federation board, three term president of the Jewish Community Center, president of Temple Beth El and actively supported Jewish Family Services, the Jewish Day School, and the Boy Scouts of America.

He also served as the vice-chairman of Copesan. 

Bobby enjoyed spending summers "down the shore" in Ocean City, N.J., and wintering with his grandchildren in California, according to his obituary. His love for history caused him to be a major supporter of the Civil War Center at Penn State.

Services were held earlier this month. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth El Hammel Fund, Jewish Community Center of Allentown, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, and the Rising Tide Community Loan Fund.