Robert L. Willison Sr.

1938 - 2025

Robert Lee Willison Sr., 87, of Lower Burrell, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in his home. He was born in New Kensington on Feb. 12, 1938, to the late Merle C. and Lottie V. Vrotney Willison and had been a lifelong resident of the New Kensington/Lower Burrell area. Mr. Willison was a member of both Arnold and Braeburn United Methodist Churches and was an Army veteran serving during WWII. He worked as a truck driver for Allegheny Ludlum, Brackenridge, and Sakala Excavating. He had also worked as a tour guide for casino trips for Thomas Tours. He was a member of the Tyrian Lodge No. 644 of Free & Accepted Masons, Allegheny Valley Caravan No. 16 of Syria Temple, Shriners International, Order of the Red Men, American Legion Post 868, VFW Post 92, the Antique Car Club, and Order of the Odd Fellows, where he served as past district deputy. He cooked spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfasts for fundraisers for his church as well as the Shriners. He enjoyed going to car shows with his '71 Chevelle, bowling leagues at Wildlife Lanes, spending time with his granddogs, Serj and Sophie, and traveling with his late wife, notably Alaska, Hawaii, and Germany. He is survived by his son, Robert Lee (Susan) Willison Jr. of Antonito, CO; daughter, Jacqueline "Jackie" Willison of Hagerstown, MD; grandchildren, LeAnna (Wes) Harris and Frank Willison; step-grandchildren, Aaron (Jenna) and Jesse (Crystal) Gildea; great-grandchildren, Catrina Willison, Evelyn, and Fiona Harris; step-great-grandchildren, Ethan, Tyler, David, and Avery Gildea; and brother, Barry Willison of Brockway. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dona Rose Harmon Willison; sister, Bonnie Pacek; and brother, William Willison. Friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at RUSIEWICZ OF LOWER BURRELL FUNERAL HOME, 3124 Leechburg Road, at Alder St., where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, by Rev. Sharon Waltenbaugh. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. A Masonic service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made in his name to Braeburn United Methodist Church, 4146 Arnold Ave., Lower Burrell, PA 15068. www.RusiewiczFH.com.