Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert A. Silks, Sr., a lifelong resident of Harrisburg, passed away January 31, 2016, at Hershey Medical Center following a courageous nine-month battle with small cell lung cancer. Born October 7, 1951, he was the son of the late Newman and Thelma Louise Silks. A graduate of William Penn High School (class of '69) and the Police Academy at Harrisburg Area Community College, he served as a Harrisburg City police officer for twenty years and subsequently had a lengthy career in retail at Service Oil Company and Boscov's Camp Hill.
Bob is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kathy (McKean) Silks; a son, Robert A. Silks, Jr., of Adairsville, GA; brother Larry and his wife Donna of Trumbull, CT; niece Jennifer Voight and nephews Chris and Cody Silks; cousins Cheryl Arndt, Suzanne Landis, Ron Poorman, Jackie Harm Smith, and Linda Swank; mother-in-law Jeanne McKean and brother-in-law John McKean; and many friends of all ages. He was pre-deceased by his parents and son Scott M. Silks.
Bob lived and breathed baseball. A lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan, he attended 25 - 30 games each year at Camden Yards with his wife and friends. After playing softball and coaching Little League in early adulthood, he enjoyed more sedentary strategy and scorekeeping with two fantasy baseball leagues, having epic competitions and much camaraderie with treasured friends.
Bob had a profound love of animals and nature, instilled in him by his mother. He parented five dogs across his lifetime, nurturing them into old age, and loved his new beagle puppy, Marci. Highlights of every year were trips he, his wife, his parents, and his dogs took to places of great beauty and peace, including the Adirondacks, the Chesapeake Bay, Maine, and the Finger Lakes. He loved volunteering with his wife for the Northern Saw-whet Owl Research Project under the auspices of the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. He also had a great passion for music, was a gifted saxophone player in his youth, and loved attending an eclectic mix of concerts. Favorites included Motown legends, Elton John, and native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation, PO Box 0054, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0054, or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 897, Hershey, PA 17033.
Tributes and condolences may be sent to
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Robert-Silks&lc=7412&pid=177580614&mid=6785780&cid=em.legacy.dm.7412.6785780
www.pennlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Neill Funeral Home.
Kathy, thinking about you as you plan what I expect will be a grand tribute to your beloved Bob. With sympathy & love, Kim
Kim Snyder Wise
March 5, 2016
Bob you will be greatly missed, always. Larry had a great time working with you on the Police job. I saw a guy today and he looked quite like you, I had to do a double taking, of course knowing you were with your loved ones UPSTAIRS. So long good buddy, see you in the future. GOD bless you.. Your friends Larry and Darlene Bender..
Larry, Darlene Bender
March 3, 2016
A life long friend classmate, Jr bowling partner, and one of many HPD buddies.
RIP MY FRIEND
Jim (Beetle) Bailey
February 26, 2016
My deepest condolences, Kathy. You'll be in my prayers.
Paula DiBacco
February 22, 2016
Bob was such a sweetheart thanks for sharing him with us...
Ben Nebroski
February 9, 2016
Kathy, I only met your husband a few times so I was shocked to see his obituary in the newspaper. I didn't really know Bob but he seemed like a nice guy and from what I read you two had many memorable experiences in your 26 years together. I am so sorry for your loss.
Wilson Smeltz
February 9, 2016
I have known Bob and Larry growing up in Riverside area of the city. When I joined the Hbg Police Force Bob was a seasoned Veteran whom I learned from. My sincere Condolences to his family. Rest Easy Bob until we meet again.
Wendy Weaver-Carter
February 9, 2016
Kathy, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet Bob and am so sad for your loss. I send you lightness for your heart, peace for your soul,and love from all who know you.
Kelli Knapp
February 8, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you.I grew up with Bob in the uptown area and have great memories of him playing ball at my house on 2nd St.rip Bob.
PHILIP MILLER
February 8, 2016
Kathy-
Please know that Mitchell and I are thinking of you and, though many miles separate us, embracing you with gentle hugs during this time. We know you have many days of hardship ahead, but also of knowing just how many memories you created together to pull you through for, well, the rest of time. Those memories are significant and will provide you smiles; we know you will think of him everyday.
Heartfelt condolences --
Mitchell and Krissy
Kristine Stern
February 6, 2016
RIP Bob. I will always remember playing softball with you. My condolences to Kathy, and the entire Silks family.
Nino Myers
February 6, 2016
The league won't be the same without you, nor will the lives of anyone who had the honor of your friendship. Farewell, my friend. You will be terribly missed at every picnic, poker game and draft.
Brad Christman
February 5, 2016
RIP Bob. You were a great guy that I had the honor to know and work with through many years with HPD. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Rick Shaffer
February 5, 2016
ca
February 5, 2016
Kathy,
Sending hugs and love.
Jenny Murphy-Shifflet
Jenny Murphy-Shifflet
February 5, 2016
Kathy, you and Bob were our role models for a loving marriage. Julie and I are heartbroken, but know you have a lifetime of wonderful memories that will ease the pain of the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
Rob Lang
February 5, 2016
Kathy - I was shocked and sorry to read this. I hadn't seen him at Boscov's for a while...He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed. Please accept my sympathy.
Kay Patterson
February 5, 2016
Condolences. George and Janet Boyer, class of 69'
George Boyer
February 5, 2016
GO EASY BOB
ARNOLD
WILLIAM ARNOLD
February 5, 2016
Kathy and family I am so sorry for the loss of your best friend, father etc...I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Terry Novak
February 5, 2016
Kathy: Our deepest sympathy and thoughts to the kindest and most cheerful neighbors. It was always a pleasure talking to you and Bob. We share your sadness and hope memories sustain you. The Greyhound Guys, Phil,Larry&O'Connor
Phil,Larry,O'Connor Richardson
February 5, 2016
May God be with Bob's family. Worked with him at Hbg Police.
Steve Harman
February 5, 2016
You have our sympathy and prayers Kathy. Bob lived an amazing life. Wishing you peace and understanding.
Joe / Lynne Trojcak
February 5, 2016
Kathy, I am so sorry about Bob. He was a great, great, guy. Sharon Rapak
February 5, 2016
Kathy,
It is with profound sadness that I heard the news of Bob's passing. His capacity for kindness to others knew no bounds. Whether it was another human being or one of his treasured winged friends, he would go out of his way to make others more comfortable. His ability to listen and offer varying points of view was very much in demand. He could find goodhearted humor in just about anything. These are all attributes that you are very well aware of. May God give you and your family strength to meet the challenges as you continue on this new path of your lifelong journey. May your memories of Bob sustain you until your final reunion with your soulmate. I ask for blessings for Bob, Kathy and Family.
Kay Ann Wetzel
February 4, 2016
Kathy may fond memories of Bob bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we've shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and Bob will continue to live on, through you. My condolences and my hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Kimile Pugh
February 4, 2016
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more