Robert E. Killen

On May 22, 2026, Robert E. (Bob) Killen departed this world after a valiant two-and-a-half month battle with complications from a hemorrhagic stroke.  He leaves his wife Deborah Smith Killen, as well as his adult children, Tara Simpson, Robert P. Killen and Alison Lankford (from his first marriage to Kathleen P. Killen), as well as three grandchildren, Charles Simpson, Hunter Lankford and Brooks Lankford.  He is also survived by his sister, Maureen (Kevin) Ryan, and his brother, Edward (Ruth Parker) Killen, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family.  He is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Laurice (Homsy) Killen.

Bob was born March 1, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York.  He graduated from City College of New York and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with degrees in chemical and nuclear engineering.  He worked as an engineer for Pratt Whitney Corporation and General Electric (GE) Corporation, where he worked on the Apollo Space Programs. While at GE, he started an investment partnership called Compu-Val Management Company.  After this partnership concluded, he founded The Killen Group, Inc., managing stock and bond portfolios for individual clients. He also founded three mutual funds: the Berwyn Fund, the Berwyn Income Fund, and the Berwyn Cornerstone Fund. He sold his business to Chartwell Investment Advisors in 2016.

Bob took a uniquely scientific approach to investment selection, leaning on his technical background to develop a deep understanding of different industries and their competitive delivery of products and services.  He took pride in being a value investor, analyzing businesses and financial statements to find hidden value and opportunities that could be unlocked with proper management and market positioning.

His natural curiosity, enthusiasm and ambition in life spilled over into many other pursuits, including world travel, physical fitness, golf, and a neighborhood poker club that endured for nearly forty years. Aronimink Golf Club was a favorite destination, where besides playing golf, he enjoyed personal training and book club, as well as countless social events, especially singing around the piano on New Year's Eves.  He enjoyed planning family vacations, such as a trip to Colorado Springs in 2019 that included white water rafting and a visit to Pike's Peak. 

Even after retirement, he remained active managing family investments as well as a private limited partnership.  He enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for science, engineering, technology and investing with his grandchildren and young people in general. His positive, proactive approach to life; creating opportunity and creating a rich and multi-faceted life, will be his enduring legacy.  

The family will be celebrating Bob’s life with a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnels to Towers Foundation or Smile Train.