Robert Charles Schmidley

Robert Charles “Bob” Schmidley, 90, of Rochester, passed on January 3, 2015. “A precious one from us has gone, A voice we loved is stilled; A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled. God in His wisdom has recalled, The boon his love had given, And though the body slumbers here, The soul is safe in Heaven.”

Bob was born December 25, 1924 in Canton, OH, son of the late Joseph and Geneva (Trimber) Schmidley. He proudly and faithfully served his country with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Bob enlisted on August 11, 1941 and received his basic training at Jefferson Barracks Military Post, Lemay, Missouri, south of St. Louis. He served with the 6th Army Air Force Unit until his honorable discharge in 1943 from the Truax Army Airfield (formerly known as the Madison Army Airfield), Wisconsin.

Following his military service, he made his home in Rochester. Bob was employed as a signal maintainer with the Pennsylvania Railroad, retiring from Conrail. Through the years, he also owned and operated a number of familiar businesses in Rochester: the Pool Room; the Adams Street Luncheonette; a partner in the Hilltop Grill; and an owner-operator of the Deer Lane Grill and Deli.

He was a Life Member and Past Commander of the Rochester, Junction City VFW Post 128; a 43 year member of the Rochester Masonic Lodge 229 F.&A.M. and the Valley of New Castle A.A.S.R. 32nd Degree Mason. Bob was also a member of the Faith Community United Methodist Church, Rochester.

Most importantly, Bob was a great family man. He was a loving husband of 59 years to Irene (Schneider) Schmidley, who preceded him in 2005. Bob was a wonderful father, grandfather, great and great great grandfather. He enjoyed getting together with his family during the holidays, special events or for summer picnics. Many fond memories were made when he traveled to be with the Ruby Family in Florida; the nieces and nephews became much like his own children. Regular weekend visits to the homestead in Harmony were a home away from home.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Bob was preceded in death by his brother: James Schmidley; his sister: Theda Ruby; and two sons-in-law: Milton “Bud” Noonen; and John Clear.

Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Larry “Bucky” and Su Schmidley, Rochester; five daughters and three sons-in-law: Nancy and Joseph Conforti, Darlington; Barbara Noonen, Beaver; Cathy and David DeVincentis, St. Peters, MO; Phyllis and William Dininni, Center Township; Robin Clear, New Sewickley Township; 19 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; many, many loving extended family members and friends.

Friends will be received Wednesday, January 7, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (GPS 848 Sunflower Road, adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). A Masonic Service will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. by Rochester Masonic Lodge 229. His funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, in the funeral home with The Rev. Dr. Donald Dotterer, Pastor Joe Schmidley, and Chris Wright, officiating. The committal service and Military Honors by The Beaver County Special Unit will follow in the mausoleum.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation for their kind and compassionate care. If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the Faith Community United Methodist Church, Rochester. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com