Robert E. “Bob” Spence, 77, of Stoneboro left his earthly home to go to his heavenly home with his family by his side on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Aug. 3, 1937, in Oil City, Mr. Spence was a son of Russell A. and Viola L. Berlin Spence.
Bob worked many years at Cooper Energy of Grove City and then finished his working years, retiring from Salem Tube, Transfer.
He was an active member of Oak Grove Church, Fairview Township, and was very proud to be head usher for many years; he loved greeting everyone and welcoming them to church.
Bob enjoyed sports and loved watching basketball and was a huge fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels. He also was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, including the Pirates and the Steelers.
Most of all, Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He married Barbara E. Greenlee on Aug. 30, 1959; she survives at home.
Also surviving are: four daughters, Eunice Hawke and her husband Thomas, Painesville, Ohio; Karen Paladino and her husband Michael, Franklin; Pamela Suero, Wood Dale, Ill.; and Joanna Fox and her husband David, Okeechobee, Fla.; two sons, Robert “Rob” Spence and his wife Amy, Seven Fields, Pa.; and Brian Spence and his wife Joni, Downingtown, Pa.; 11 grandchildren, Joni Ladaika, Curtis Hawke, Kelly Kossman, Jacqueline Paladino, Benito Suero, Sabrina Suero, Courtney Law, Dana Law, Gabe Spence, Corey Vacca and Robbie Spence; and four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Rebekah, Isabelle and Abigail Ladaika.
He also leaves three sisters, Helen Paup, Venus, Venango County; Jane Spence, Leetonia, Ohio; and Judy Stevens and her husband Herbert, Flower Mound, Texas; and two brothers, John Spence, Oil City; and William Spence and his wife Ruth, Venus.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy Spence; a sister, Patricia Johnson; and three brothers, Dick, Dean and Sam Spence.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Compassion Fund of Oak Grove Church, 16 Oak Grove Road, Mercer, PA 16137.
Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday (8-16-14) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday (8-17-14) in the funeral home with the Rev. Randy L. Ritchey, pastor of Oak Grove Church, Fairview Township, officiating.
Interment with committal service will be held at Zion Cemetery, Worth Township.
