Robert John Ferguson

Robert John Ferguson, age 73, husband of Janet (Smith) Ferguson, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 in the Phoenixville Hospital. Born in Princeton, Minnesota, he was a son of the late Marilyn Elizabeth (Runsten) and Theodore H. Ferguson. Rob attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD as a member of the Class of 1971. While there he was in the 7th Company and the Drum and Bugle Corp. Rob maintained friendships from the Academy and attended 7th Company Reunions. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and microbiology at the University of Minnesota. Professionally, Rob was the co-founder and president of French Creek Software, established in 1989. Rob was considered a thought leader and innovator in the industrial water treatment industry, having won multiple awards for his contributions to the global water treatment community. Each year he enjoyed attending multiple industry conferences. Rob cherished these opportunities to congregate with old friends as well as nurture aspiring young water treaters. Creatively, Rob had a passion for playing brass musical instruments. Each year he looked forward to attending New Orleans Traditional Jazz Camp and loved playing jazz classics from the 1920s. Rob took brass lessons from a professor in Italy, Eros, via Zoom, and was a member of "Taps Across America" - an organization of 10,000+ musicians nationwide, playing taps from bugles and trumpets from their own front porch at a coordinated time. An avid reader, Rob most liked science-fiction and espionage thrillers. Athletically, Rob ran track and played football in high school. As an adult, through his 50's he played goalie on an adult ice hockey league. While his children were young, he served as a baseball umpire for the Kimberton Youth Athletic League (KYAL), Phoenxiville Babe Ruth League, and the PIAA. As a fan, Rob loved attending and inviting friends to go with him to the Army/Navy Game, rarely missing a game. In addition to his loving wife of 41 years, Rob is survived by his children: Robert W. Ferguson (wife, Danelle), Alexis J. Mariani (husband, Robert) and Baron R. Ferguson (fiancé, Alexandra Dodge); grandchildren: Robert and Caterina Mariani, and Jack Ferguson; his siblings: Ronald Ferguson, Randall Ferguson, and Robin Sinclair; his beloved dog Wally; and his best friend John Zibrida. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Ferguson. Friends and family are invited to attend his memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville, Monday, October 30, at 10:30 AM; 145 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. For those unable to attend, a live feed of the service will be broadcast on the Church's YouTube Channel. You may access the Memorial Service link here. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rob's name to First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com

Robert John Ferguson

October 3, 1949 - August 23, 2023