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Robert Cedar Obituary
Born Jan. 26, 1984, in Meadville, he was a son of the Michael G. and Michelle Taylor Cedar.
Robert was a 2002 graduate of Bradford Area High School. He excelled in track and cross country, and he still holds many of the school records.
Immediately after high school he enlisted in the United States Army. He served one tour of duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom and one tour in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Service Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge. He was honorably discharged from Fort Bragg on March 31, 2007 as a sergeant.
He enrolled in UNC Charlotte and graduated with a civil engineering degree. He worked for three years as an engineer at MacTech in Charlotte. In 2014 he returned to Bradford to work with his family's business Penn Air Notch Services Inc.; at the time of his death he was the chief financial officer.
Robert loved the outdoors, four wheeling, hunting, spending time with his dogs Aprilia and Bella. He was a hard worker and enjoyed a good time.
Surviving in addition to his parents, is his fiancee Brianna Rychick; one brother, Richard J. (Ashleigh VanGorder) Cedar of Bradford; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main St., Bradford, where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor of St. Bernard Church, officiating. Committal services and full military honors will be accorded in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Robert M. Cedar Memorial Trust Fund at any Northwest Saving Bank.
Online condolences may be made to www.hollenbeckcahill.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cedar
Pat Imbrogno
November 28, 2014
Sorry for your loss. We have him and your family in our prayers.
Rose
November 26, 2014
God bless your family at this most difficult time. Heaven will welcome your son as he gave his life for others, just as Jesus did.
Marsha Thompson
November 26, 2014
I want to convey my sincere condolences to Robert's family. As a fellow Veteran, I understand his want to serve others in their time of need! Love and respect to all of you.
Sharon Welsh
November 26, 2014
How can I express my condolences? Robert came here for the main purpose of helping us. I am so sorry to his family and his fiancée. I guarantee Roberts life was not lived in vain. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. He is forever in our prayers. Love and hugs!!!
Jennifer Kinney
November 26, 2014
Dear Cedar Family & Brianna:
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are wonderful people to come up to Buffalo and help us during the horrible snow storm. I will be thinking of and praying for your entire family. I think I speak for everyone in Buffalo when I say thank you! RIP Robert...
Heather & Jerry Johnson
November 26, 2014
I wanted to send my condolences from Buffalo, NY. I don't really know what to say other than we are so very sorry for your loss. Robert is truly a hero, he gave of himself freely and came into a storm to help others without being asked or required to do so. He had a beautiful and pure heart. May God Bless you and provide you comfort.
Bill Hanna
November 26, 2014
Thank you Robert - may you rest in peace. What a wonderful human being you were. My sincerest condolences to the Cedar family.
Ben and Nancy McCormack
November 25, 2014
We would like to express our condolences to the Cedar family, and also to Robert's fiance. We are so sorry , and deeply saddened for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Janice mac
November 25, 2014
What a true hero Robert was! He is an angel in heaven. I'm so sorry for your terrible loss. Thank you Robert for your service to our country and in the City of Buffalo during the recent storm. You are an inspiration and will always be remembered.
Tammy Lichy
November 25, 2014
You are a true hero. May god bless your loved ones. Thank you for all you've given in your short life on earth.
Julie
November 25, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to Rob's family. I am so sorry for the loss of your son, brother, fiance. He was such a caring, giving, unselfish young man. RIP Rob
Meg Vergo
November 25, 2014
Your son died a hero of the highest level: a man who sacrifices everything for the sake of his fellow man. You all have much to be proud of. I am so glad that the story of this amazing young man was told. I will never forget him!
C Garland
November 25, 2014
Please accept our sympathies for your loss, and also our appreciation for Robert's selfless efforts in helping during the storm here in Buffalo.
Erin C
November 25, 2014
I don't know Robert but I heard his story on the news and now saw it on facebook and was saddened to hear about it. I am so very sorry for your loss- what a hero your son was! He seems like such a remarkable person. I know what this kind of loss is like at the holidays and I can only hope that you find comfort in the wonderful memories you had together. Without question, you have an angel watching out for you. God Bless.
todd wardner
November 25, 2014
I work for the Cedars and concider them as family. Robert would help me with anything that needed to be done. He was a very giving person and its heartbreaking to hear he is no longer with us. Prayers go out to his family.
Lori O'Donnell
November 25, 2014
I just wanted to say that I am sorry for your loss. I just read about Robert. He was a true hero. You raised an amazing man. Thank you Robert for all you did for our country and especially for us here in western NY. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cedar family.
November 25, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. - Thank you for sharing your son during our time of need - God Bless All of you and May the Perpetual Light Shine upon Robert
Timothy Hippert
November 25, 2014
Only the best in God's service. What a wonderful son. Your loss is unfathomable. My heart breaks for you. He is in a much better place than any of us deserve. Robert won the battle. Blessings and comfort to his family
November 25, 2014
He's a true hero and WNY sends our condolences. We are so sorry for your loss.
Katrina Luce
November 25, 2014
Your story really you touched my heart. It brought tears to my eyes as I'm sure it did to many others. I'm very sorry for your families loss.Its so nice to hear there are selfless people left in this world. You raised a wonderful person and should be proud!! Thank you for sharing this story. Your son will never be #13 in my eyes he will always be #1 A TRUE HERO!! Robert Cedar RIP
November 25, 2014
Michelle and michael
So sorry for the loss of your son
Sympathetically Darlene Baugh (ft worth)
November 25, 2014
This story is just so sad. There is a special place in Heaven for this very special man. If only the world had more people like Robert. We in Buffalo are shedding tears for your family. God bless you and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Robin Fuhrmann
November 24, 2014
So very sorry for the loss of your Son, Brother & Friend. Thank You Sergeant Cedar for doing what you loved most, helping others. Thank You for giving us our FREEDOM!! RIP
November 24, 2014
I live in Lackawanna, NY, and I want to say how very sorry I am for your loss. We will remember your son's act of kindness for years to come, he will not be forgotten.What a wonderful man you raised.You are in my prayers. -Mary Gullekson
S Taylor
November 24, 2014
Thank you, Robert, and to your family. Your parents raised a wonderful person, and you will be missed. Thank you thank you thank you. Godspeed.
November 24, 2014
Thank you for sharing a little bit of SGT Cedar's story, as it is truly inspirational. It's guaranteed his heroics and selflessness will live on here in WNY as a Buffalonian.
Kathy
November 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing part of his story. He was truly an early angel. And now an angel to watch over his family. He will not be forgotten for his unconditional love.
Jay Sharer
November 24, 2014
What a true hero and inspiration, im truly sorry to his family, fiancee and friends.....i will keep you all in my prayers
bvd- (John 17:3)
November 24, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences to the family. May GOD grant you strength and courage as you face the coming days. (Psalm 83:18)
Michael Roeder
November 24, 2014
Dear Brianna and Cedar family...God Bless you and yours. A very special man known not as a number but as a selfless individual of humanity. Oh how the world needs more like him. Hang tough during this hard time...let his spirit live within you.
anonymous
November 24, 2014
All you have done and were willing to do for the people of this country, not just Western New York, makes you a hero in my book. May your family find peace in the amazing achievements of unselfishness. You are 1 in a million, not 1 of 13.
Bonnie Esthimer
November 24, 2014
To the Cedar family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I live in Depew, NY and want you to know we are so grateful for people like you and your son Robert who came to help us. What a caring person he was, such a true hero. Thank you for sharing more about Robert with us and know that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. God Bless you.
Doreen
November 24, 2014
BuffaLOVE to the family and friends of Robert. So very sorry for your loss.
Dana Mang
November 24, 2014
I am truly sorry for your loss. God must have needed an angel.
I have lived in the Buffalo area for the last 26 years and am originally from Port Allegany, PA.
Being located in one of the worst areas in this storm, I appreciate that your son would want to come to our aid.
Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy
November 24, 2014
Your family (and the world) lost a tremendous young man, so tragically, but what a legacy of love and selflessness he leaves behind! His story has touched thousands of people, and I, for one, want to express gratitude as well as condolences to those of you who were blessed to know him personally. God's peace....
Lizzy
November 24, 2014
Truly an angel. Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. May you take some comfort in the fact that you raised a remarkable young man.
Mary Cooper
November 24, 2014
Words can't express how greatful people from buffalo our for all your help rip you were and are truly a Angel. Your family and friends will surely miss you ...much buffalo love to you and yours...
Mary
November 24, 2014
A thank you to Robert for his selflessness in serving his country and in coming to Buffalo to help when we needed it. My condolences to your family on the loss of a remarkable young man. I wish you peace.
Gary Raszewski
November 24, 2014
To the cedar family I am sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Santo
November 24, 2014
RIP Robert
lil
November 24, 2014
Sorry for your lost...this touched my heart!!! God took an angel!! Let your hearts not way to heavy!!!
Mary Kluth
November 24, 2014
To the Cedar family, so very sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve
November 24, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time.
Bryant Devine
November 24, 2014
It is with great sadness to hear of your loss. I was in Robert's squad in Afghanistan, and had the pleasure of sharing many moments there with him. He was well respected within our platoon and company. I only hope that the prayers from his army brothers can ease your pain, and help you make it through the echoes of the past and silence of the future. Our hearts are truly broken over this loss. His memory will continue to live within each and everyone one of us who served with him. My condolences, and I know that the heavenly father will continue to comfort you.
Cheri Wozniak
November 24, 2014
I live in the Buffalo area and cannot say enough to thank you for sharing such a beautiful soul with us. Your family and son are in my prayers.
Erin
November 24, 2014
Heartfelt kindness and service to those in need, without prompting and out of the goodness of your heart, is the highest form of patriotism. Your son was a true hero. I'm sorry for your tragic loss.
Susan Schmitt
November 24, 2014
To the parents, family and friends of the heroic Robert Cedar.I cannot tell you how much my heart aches for all of you in the tragic loss of
your son and loved one. I live in South Buffalo and am a VA nurse and was stranded for the first part of the week in the area of where your
son had lost his life. My heart is overcome with sincere gratefulness and love for his heroic actions, he will be remembered and live on in my heart as
a blessing with every season that passes. I will be organizing to have a mass said in his honor and I pray that God gives you the courage and strength
to face each day and that you find comfort in knowing we here in Buffalo feel your pain. May God be with you all. Sincerely, Susan Schmitt
Linda Powers
November 24, 2014
Dear Cedar Family,
I live in WNY. I heard Mr. Cedar speak on my local news and was so moved by this incredible loss of a such a wonderful young man. Please know your son and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers and I shall be forever grateful. God Bless you today and always.
Carol Russell
November 23, 2014
Dear Cedar Family,
I am a Buffalonian who wishes to express my sympathy for your loss and to thank you for raising such a kind, considerate young man. His intrinsic goodness is a tribute to him and to you. I cannot begin to imagine the heartache you are feeling. I wish you comfort in the knowledge that he selflessly gave to others in need. His story is a renewal of faith. God Bless.
November 23, 2014
Mere words can never express the sorrow I feel for my dear friends of the Cedar family. My thoughts and prayers have been with you! I too feel privileged and honored to have known such a wonderful young man! He was truly a reflection of his wonderful parents! With much love, until I see you! Betty Kebert
Linda Rychcik-Gresik
November 23, 2014
I am so sorry for you loss. There are no words to express the sadness my heart feels for your family and my niece. I will hold you close in prayer during this most difficult time.
Jed Ranney
November 23, 2014
Cedar Family,
Words cannot describe the feelings. I am sorry for your loss. Rob was my roommate in the barracks between our Iraq and Afghanistan deployments. He will be greatly missed amongst his military brothers, and he will never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Eric Robertson
November 23, 2014
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I served with him in Iraq and he was an outstanding soldier. I am glad to have known him and he will be missed by many.
Susan Peroginelli Egger
November 22, 2014
Dear Michelle, my deepest sympathies to you and your Family on the loss of your beautiful son. Although we haven't had contact since high School ,I have only great memories of our times together in high school. Your house was the best . I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Again I am so sorry
Bartholomew Mattocks
November 22, 2014
I am honored and blessed to have known your love one. Cedar was truly an awesome soldier. He will truly be miss by all those who had the honor to stand next to him in Arms.
Travys Rivers
November 22, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss. I served with Rob in Afghanistan. Although there are no words my heart breaks also. I wish your family the best
Marlene (Kebert) Miller
November 22, 2014
I am so sorry for your lose, my heart bleeds for you. I was so shocked when Rich told me. Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness.I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Memories are a legacy of love.
Shawn Andrews
November 22, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts.
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