Robert E. Armstrong III

Robert E. Armstrong, III, loving husband and father, friend, farmer and educator of New Castle, PA passed away at age 91 on the morning of Nov. 13, 2025, with his wife Sandy by his side.

Born May 13, 1934, in New Castle, PA, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Marion Wallace Armstrong, Jr.

On May 3, 1958, he married his beloved wife of 67 years, Sandra Shepard Armstrong, who survives him.

He earned his BA and his MBA from Cornell University and then went on to earn his PHD from Michigan State University. Bob had a vast and fulfilling career. Mr. Armstrong served as Captain in the United States Army. In his younger years, he ran a successful dairy farm in Union Township, Summerfield Dairies. Employed by Geneva College, he was a professor of economics and business administration for many years. He retired from the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) after serving as a Foreign Service Agricultural Development Officer in overseas posts in Kenya, Botswana and Zimbabwe. He then went on to teach at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe for more than 10 years. He also taught at Thiel College.

Bob was proud to be from New Castle and was known for his stories about his family, his city, and his travels and overseas work. He lived his life while steadfastly drawing our attention to the plight of those in the world in less fortunate situations.

Bob was a lifelong parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church and belonged to several clubs and organizations including Rotary Club of New Castle, Penna Farmer Association (PFA), and Sigma Chi. He served as Treasurer of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern PA for 15 years, until shortly before his death. He was made an honorary canon of the diocese in 2010.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by two daughters, Jill Armstrong of Rome, Italy and Heather Armstrong of New Castle, PA; and two grandsons, Luca Robert Albisetti and Sasha Elliott Armstrong. He was predeceased by his sister, Lilian Armstrong.

Visitation will be held on Monday Nov. 17th from 4:00 to 6:00 at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

A funeral service will be held on Tues. Nov. 18th at 11:00 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 212 N. Mill Street, New Castle, PA 16101, with The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church officiating and the Rev. Dr. Adam Trambley of Trinity Episcopal Church, assisting.

A private burial will be at Oak Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trinity Episcopal Church of New Castle or the Rotary Club of New Castle.