Robert J. “Bob” Rodibaugh, Sr., age 82, of Cranberry died at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015 surrounded by his loving family in the Seneca home of his daughter, Barb.

He was born December 11, 1932 in Oil City to the late Alonzo and Clara (Bridge) Rodibaugh.

He attended Cranberry High School.

Mr. Rodibaugh was of the catholic faith and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion.

Bob was an avid Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast as well as an antique and classic car collector. He was a member of the Buick Club of America. Bob raced at Tri-City Speedway for many years. He enjoyed going to flea markets and car shows, and collecting trains. He cherished the time he spent with his family on vacations and at picnics and get-togethers.

Following school, Bob worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a brakeman. He later owned and operated a filling station on East Second Street in Oil City for ten years, until becoming employed at Franklin Steel Mill Division, where he retired as a chief foreman after forty years of service.

Bob was married in St. Stephen Church in Oil City on April 20, 1951 to the former Shirley A. Mason, and she survives.

Also surviving are seven children: Sharon L. Norris of President, Catherine M. Rodibaugh of Cranberry, Carol A. Nichols of Rockland, Barbara L. Heckathorn and her fiancé Rick VanWormer of Seneca, Robert J. Rodibaugh, Jr. of Emlenton, William J. Rodibaugh of Cranberry, and Mary D. VanWormer and her fiancé David Tobin of Cranberry; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren; and his brother-in-law, Clarence Mason, Jr. and his wife Dottie of Edinboro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard Rodibaugh; and his son-in-law, Kenneth Nichols.

Friends will be received Tuesday (May 26) from 2 — 4 and 6 — 8 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Wednesday (May 27th) at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Monty Sayers, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, officiating.

Interment will follow in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens in Cranberry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Venango VNA Hospice, c/o Venango VNA Foundation, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA 16323.

Condolences may be submitted to the family online by visiting www.hilebest.com.