Robert Anthony "Bob" Bishel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Anthony Bishel on September 30, 2024, at 92 years old. He was born on January 31, 1932, in Elrama, Pennsylvania to Anthony and Josephine (Grudl) Bishel.
Bob graduated from Carrollton County High School in 1950 and went on to serve our country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, where he achieved the rank of First-Class Metalsmith, serving on the ship LST 515. Upon an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he enrolled at The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering.
While attending Ohio State, Bob met his one and only love, Anne Zalupski. They were married on July 25, 1959, and enjoyed 53 years of marital bliss. Bob and Anne settled in Huntington, WV and he began his career at the International Nickel Company (INCO) working in the field of research and development of welding products. During his career he developed 8 different welding products that earned U.S. patents. Many of these products are still in use in the welding industry today.
He used to say "If I don't have it, you don't need it" with that impish grin of his. Because he truly was that kind and that generous; whatever you needed, he was ready to jump up and get it for you, from paper towels and ink pens to band saws and routers to dinner and a shot of whiskey.
He was forever building and creating and gifting the amazing things he crafted from nothing in a garage that always smelled like sawdust.
He loved to dance. He took dance in college (he would say with a glint in his eye) because "that's where all the girl's were." And he danced as long as his God allowed him to stand.
He loved music and football – especially Ohio State – but if you needed to talk he would ALWAYS turn off the TV, even in the middle of a game. Because people were the most important thing. For him, it really was as simple as that.
He was always smiling and looking for the souls that no one else saw, shaking everyone's hands to build connections and extend friendship.
His heart was open and non-judgmental and kind and he left a legacy of love that those who know him best understand is his TRUE contribution to the world. He did great things, left behind patents and lots of really cool stuff but in his words, the best place in the world was "out among the people".
He will be well and truly missed.
Bob and Anne raised 3 children, Geoffrey Bishel (Kitty Marie O'Brien) of Fayetteville, NC, Carolyn Yeager (Jeffrey) of Sherrodsville, OH and Susan Knight (Brian) of Gainesville, VA. Bob shared in the joy of being an active participant in the raising of 7 grandchildren. He also was able to bear witness to the birth of 3 great grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow.
Bob retired from INCO in 1993 and returned to Carrollton to live out the remainder of his time with his extended family on Carroll Meadows Golf Course, where he enjoyed golfing and woodworking. His craftsmanship can be seen throughout many of the homes as well as the clubhouse on the golf course.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 53 years, Anne Zalupski Bishel and his brother John Bishel. He is survived by his 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and one sister, Mary Ann Bishel Pozderac.
A memorial mass will take place on Saturday October 5, 2024, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church 748 Roswell Rd. SW, Carrollton, Ohio 44615 at 11:30 am with a visitation beginning at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in honor of Bob Bishel to the USS LST 325, Evansville, Indiana at www.LSTmemorial.org/donate