Robert Eichelberger Sr.

Mr. Robert Paul Eichelberger Sr., 85, of Brunswick, a former longtime resident of Frederick, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at Frederick Memorial Hospital, Frederick.

He was the husband of Margaret C. M. Tobery Eichelberger, his loving companion of 51 years.

Born Feb. 9, 1923, in Woodsboro, he was a son of the late Emmett Arville and Florence Irene Clabaugh Eichelberger. Mr. Eichelberger served in the U.S. Army during World War II and worked for John Hane Painting for a number of years, and was later employed as a painter with Montgomery County Public Schools.

He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Brunswick, the Francis Scott Key Post 11, American Legion, and in earlier years, the Junior Fire Company No. 2, both of Frederick. He was an active outdoorsman for many years and enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes and was often found playing golf at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course in Charles Town.

For many years, Mr. Eichelberger was an active 10 pin bowler with many leagues at Terrace Lanes, and enjoyed membership in the 300 Club. He was also a volunteer at Citizens Nursing Home, Frederick, and was an avid Baltimore Ravens fan.

He was also a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his large family and will be fondly remembered for the time he spent with his dog, Snoopy.

Throughout his illness, the family was extended to include staff of Washington Hospital Center and Frederick Memorial Hospital. The family expresses their deep appreciation for the compassionate care and support given to him and his family, shown by the staff and nurses of the facilites, and the dedicated care of Doctors Riuli, Vitarello, Hunt and Le.

Besides his wife, he is survived by the following children, Robert P. Eichelberger Jr., Nancy Lee Eichelberger, of Florida, Aleta Letta Star Nockengost and husband, William, of Florida, William Brent Eichelberger and fianc?, Caron Dulin, of Texas, Diane M. Brust, of Frederick, Barbara Ann Pierce and husband, Lawrence "Rick" Pierce, of Brunswick, Robert C. Eichelberger and companion, Kim Lawson, of Frederick, Sheridy A. Schroyer and husband, Randy, of Frederick, Edie Lorraine Milihram and close friend, Ron Whittington, of Walkersville, and Brenda Brashear Lininger, whom they raised in their home as another daughter.

He was also blessed with 20 grandchildren, William Eichelberger Jr., Lisa M. Don, Carol Ann Howard, Willian Nockengost, Eric Nockengost, Damion Riveria, Derrick Riveria, Tessia M. Canuhe, Charles Brust Jr., Kasieopa Hahn, Wendy Smith, Robert C. Eichelberger, Bobby Eichelberger, Misty Dawn Eichelberger, Noah Schroyer, Timothy Zottola, Danny Zottola, Bruce Howard, Kristin Milihram and Heather Milihram; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Eichelberger is also survived by two sisters, Ruby Eichelberger and Ethel Redmon, both of Baltimore; and was preceded in death by six siblings, Roberta, June, Jackie, George, Gertude and Laura.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, from the funeral home with his pastor, the Rev. Andrea J. Earnest, officiating. Bearers will be Rick Pierce, Josh Hahn, Robert C. Eichelberger, Timothy Zottola, Noah Schroyer, and Charles Brust Jr. Interment with military honors will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick.

Those desiring may send memorial donations in his name to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.KeeneyBasford.com.