Robert Reesman

Robert J. Reesman Dayton Robert J. "Bob" Reesman, 75, of Dayton, went home to be with his Lord Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012. He was at home surrounded by his loving family, Brad Hobaugh and special hospice nurse, Judy Walter, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born May 27, 1937, in the home his grandfather built at the entrance of Mahoning Dam, the son of Barthalow "Buffy" and Helen (Schreckengost) Reesman. Bob was raised in Belknap and graduated from Dayton High School in 1956. On Oct. 3, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Myrna Parsell, and they lived in Dayton since their marriage. In his early years, he worked hauling bulk milk and then began working at Eljer Manufacturing, where he retired from in 1999 after 33-and-a-half years of service. Bob was a member of Belknap United Church of Christ and also served on the Belknap Cemetery Committee. He enjoyed taking care of the cemetery and worked to keep it looking its best. In his spare time, he loved woodworking, hunting and working in his vegetable garden, and because he always tinkered with cars, and things around the house, his family and friends affectionately called him "Mr. Fix-It". Despite his many interests, family was always the driving force in his life and he treasured the time he spent with his family and grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 52 years, Myrna (Parsell) Reesman; daughters, Tracey Reesman, of Shelocta and Kelly Rupp and her husband, Brian, of Dayton; grandchildren, Olivia and Andrew Rupp; brother, Barthalow "Bud" Reesman and his wife, Karen, of Dayton; sisters-in-law, Sara Reesman, of Dayton, and Shirley McNamara, of West Seneca, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don Reesman, who died April 14, 1986, and Gene Reesman, who died Feb. 25, 2008; sister-in-law, Evelyn Reesman, who died Jan. 9, 2007; and nephew, Randy Reesman, who died March 26, 2008. Family and friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012, at the BAUER-BLY FUNERAL HOME, 125 East Main St., Dayton. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, at the funeral home. Family and friends will then continue in procession to Belknap United Church of Christ, 1185 State Route 1018, Dayton, where the funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Eugene R. Barrett officiating. Burial will follow in the Belknap Cemetery, Wayne Township. Contributions may be made in Bob's honor to the Richard G. Laube Cancer Center, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201 and Three Rivers Hospice and Palliative Care, 1195 Jacks Run Road, North Versailles, PA 15137. Arrangements are being handled by Bauer-Bly Funeral Home Inc. To express online condolences to Bob's family or view a tribute honoring his life, visit www.bauerfuneral.com.