Robert "Bob" Matthew Burch was born March 29, 1942, in Vineland, NJ. He was one of five children born from the union of the late Rev. Woodrow Wilson Sr. and the late Stella (Petway) Burch. He departed this life on January 4, 2023 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, NJ.

Bob was raised in Vineland, NJ and attended the Vineland Public Schools, graduating from Vineland High School in 1960. During high school he excelled in track and field. Upon graduation, he attended Central State University in Wilberforce, OH where he met his wife, the late Martha Jean Simpson. From this union, three children were born: Robert "Robby", Monica, and Jennifer.

He is a 1964 graduate of Central State University where he was the recipient of track and field and ROTC scholarships. During his time at Central State, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. After graduating from Central State, Bob was an officer in the United States Army where he was assigned to active duty in Vietnam. During his time in Vietnam, he served in the 4th Infantry Division, earning a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Once he returned home from the war, he and his wife Martha relocated to his hometown of Vineland, NJ where he started his own business, South Jersey Trash Service and later Construction Support Services.

Bob was an avid follower of amateur and professional track and field events. He often traveled with his family to regional races, including his favorite, The Penn Relays. During high school and college, Bob was a member of the track and field team. In 2007, Bob was inducted into the Vineland High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory his daughters Monica of Pennsauken, NJ and Jennifer Burch LaSure (Leslie) of Bordentown, NJ, grandchildren Ashley Drewes (Robbie) of New York, NY and Tyler Drewes (Salihat) of Arlington, VA, siblings Woodrow Jr. (Dee), Wallace, and David (Helene), and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Martha, son Robby, and sister Thelma.