Robert “Bob” Rectenwald

1944 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Rectenwald, 81, of Harmony, passed away Thursday, Thanksgiving evening, Nov. 27, 2025, surrounded by family while under the care of AHN Wexford Hospital.
Born Jan. 5, 1944, in Erie, he was the second of five children born to the late Charles and Arlene (Rosenstiel) Rectenwald.
Bob graduated from McDowell High School in Erie, where he played baseball and participated in band. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Meade outside Washington, D.C., where he played his alto saxophone in the Army Band "Pershing's Own" and the Army Show Band.
After graduating from Slippery Rock University, he first worked as a counselor/social worker at the Zelienople Children's Home followed by several years as a social worker at Butler's Children and Youth Services. During this time he got a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and became the home and school visitor for Seneca Valley School District where he was also the junior varsity baseball coach.
Bob was an active member and former deacon at Plains Presbyterian Church in Cranberry Township. He was also active in coaching his daughters in Pee Wee softball and playing his saxophone in the community band. He would also step in to assist his wife as a Meals on Wheels driver.
Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years, Susan (Hoffman) Rectenwald; his two daughters, Lisa (Vince) Lazar, of Valparaiso, Ind., and Amy (Brian) Barron, of Waxhaw, N.C.; his grandchildren, Evan, Maura and Harper Lazar, and Carli, Alexa and Zachary Barron; his sister, Jeane (Bob) Helmer; and brothers, Ron (Fran) Rectenwald and Ross (Joy) Rectenwald; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Sarah Hoffman.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his older brother, Richard (Maren) Rectenwald.
Bob will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends, exercising at the YMCA, participating in community band, serving his church, watching Pittsburgh sports and arts and most importantly, spending time with his friends and family.
RECTENWALD - Per his wishes, no formal services will be held for Robert "Bob" Rectenwald, who died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
A private celebration with family to memorialize his life and impact will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Bob to an organization of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, Zelienople.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.