Born on Oct. 17, 1930, in Monongahela, Pa., to Albert I. and Jeane E. Smith, Bob resided in Westmoreland County for 50 years. A graduate of Greensburg, Pa., High School, he furthered his education by pursuing studies of analytical chemistry, industrial electricity, mechanical maintenance and personnel management at Community College, Penn State Extension and International Correspondence School.
A recognized expert in the water industry, Bob had a career that spanned nearly six decades. He was employed by the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County for 32 years, retiring in 1980 as production manager. He then became executive director for the McKeesport, Pa., Municipal Water Authority and later moved to Camp Hill to join Gannett Fleming, where his tenure included serving for three years onsite in Antigua in the West Indies overseeing construction of a water system. After officially retiring in 1998, he worked part-time for several years with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) of which he was a life member. He also was a life member and past president of the Water Works Operators’ Association of Pennsylvania (WWOAP), past member and a speech champion of Toastmasters International, and a member of various community service clubs.
Bob received the AWWA Special Recognition Award and the WWOAP’s Ivan M. Glace Award for his outstanding contributions to the water industry.
Bob has been a devout Christian his entire life. Nothing meant more to him than his Lord and Savior. Every morning Bob would do his Bible Devotionals. When he lost his sight and could not read his Bible, we had given him an audio Bible – so he set aside 2 hours every day to listen to that Bible and also before he laid his head down at the end of the day to sleep. He could quote Scripture like none other – so proud of him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Gloria M., brother Dale, and sister Patricia Reshnet. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 32 years Ann M. (Olasin), daughter Sherry L. Heasley (John) of White Oak, brother Ronald B. of Greensburg, grandson Gregory Heasley, granddaughter Lisa Ruffalo (Armando) of North Versailles, great-grandchildren Kaya Ruffalo and Colin Ruffalo..
Special thanks for Donna, Sarah and Alicia from Gentiva Hospice for all the wonderful care they gave to Bob. And to Bernadette, his caregiver, this last month.
Friends will be received on Monday, August 25th at Neill Funeral Home, 3401 Market Street in Camp Hill from 10:00-11:00am with a service to begin at 11:00am.
Services will be in the hands of Pastor Steve Wiggins.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Bob’s name to Immanuel Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Mechanicsburg or Gentiva Hospice in Camp Hill.
