Robert G. Reith

REITH, Robert G. (Bob), age 95 of Bethel Park on June 25. Beloved wife of 72 years of Gladys (Schueler) Reith; loving father of Susan (Thomas) Swan of Bethel Park, Linda (Menzo) Baird of Edgemont, SD, Janet (Edward) Pacich of Peters Township and David Reith (David Walker) of Montgomery Village, MD; loving "Grandpa" of Nathan (Patti) Swan of Burgettstown, Bethany (Brian) Hosack of New Brighton, and Alexandra and Jenna Pacich of Peters Township; “Great Grandpa” of Lilyana Grace Hosack. Bob was born and raised on Long Island, received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Colgate University (’51, ‘53), an Officer in the U. S. Navy, and was retired from U. S. Steel. He was a faithful member of Ruthfred Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday School for over 30 years, most of that time in the Adult Bible Class. He also sang in the choir, served on numerous committees, and several terms on church council. He also served as editor of the church newsletter, The Herald for ten years. During his working years he was active in the noontime ministries at the First Lutheran Church on Grant Street and also led a Monday Noon Bible class at the U. S. Steel headquarters for many years.

As a youth, he became the youngest Boy Scout in the state of New York to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and was featured on a state-wide Boy Scout poster in the early 40s. A love of nature and camping was nurtured by the scouts and a family cabin where he spent his summers, a love that he passed on to all of his children, resulting in many stories and memories that are still recounted today. As a high school baseball player, Bob was scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and offered a position on the team but had to pass when his dad insisted he go to college first. Bob was a talented trumpeter and played in his high school and college marching bands, frequently played for the church, and was a charter member of the Community Band South. Bob loved woodworking and construction. He drew up the architectural plans for an addition to their house and built it himself in the evenings and on weekends. He built desks, bookshelves, and any other wooden furniture needed. For many years, he made wine from grapes he raised in the backyard, leading to his car license plate that read “WINEMKR”. Another passion was golf which he played three to five times a week, mostly at the South Park Golf Course, once qualified for WPXI’s “Beat the Pro” tournament, and organized an annual golf outing for the church. After retirement, Bob reveled in his grandchildren, helping with childcare, school pick-ups, camping and other adventures, and clandestine Dairy Queen runs with the kids before dinner. His favorite places to be were Ligonier at the Forbes Trail Campgroud and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Bob was a true Renaissance Man, a larger-than-life personality, filled with love for everyone and everything, but especially his Lord Jesus which spilled out of him and touched all he met. He leaves behind a huge hole that can never be filled physically but will overflow with memories of him from all who loved him.

Visitation will be at the David Henney Funeral Home, 6364 Library Road (RT 88), Library, on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Ruthfred Lutheran Church, 3401 South Park Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with Full Military Honors. All are invited back to the church for a luncheon afterwards. Memorial suggestions are to the Ruthfred Lutheran Church Pastor's Fund, the Livestream Fund, or Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Bridgeville, location. www.davidhenneyfuneralhome.com

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