Robert W. “Bob” Gifford Sr., 92, of Karns City, went to be with the Lord Thursday morning, February 24, 2022, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in New Castle.
Robert was born in Fairview Twp., Butler County on July 25, 1929. He was the son of the late Lorring Gifford and Mabel Mentch Gifford Claypoole and the stepson of the late Samuel Claypoole.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Smith Gifford, on December 27, 2019. The Giffords were married on October 20, 1952.
Bob was a Christian. He attended school in Karns City and was proud to have earned his G.E.D. following his retirement. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War era. He retired following many years of service at Witco Chemical in Petrolia. Bob was known for his strong work ethic and was a skilled builder and bricklayer and built the family home in Karns City. He was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the guitar, the harmonica, and singing with his family.
Surviving are three children, Linda J. Fleeger and her husband James, of Saxonburg, Bonnie E. Douglass and her husband, David, of Emlenton, and Ruth A. Mastropietro and her husband, Joe, of New Castle; a son-in-law, Tom Sylvester of Karns City; four grandchildren, Chris Cancilla and his wife, Rachel; George Cancilla, Wayne Douglass, and April Douglass; two great-grandchildren, Ashley, and Chloe; a number of great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald Gifford and his wife, Sandy, of Butler; his sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Gifford and Shirley Gifford, a number of other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert W. Gifford Jr.; three brothers, Donald Gifford, William Gifford, and his wife, Jean, and Kenneth Gifford, and a nephew.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City, 128 Main St., Karns City, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. David Janz, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Butler, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by members of the Chicora & Brady’s Bend American Legion Post.
Interment will follow in Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia.
Memorial contributions may be made to God’s County Ministry of The First United Methodist Church, 232 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com