Robert Criss

After a long and courageous battle with ALS, Robert "Bob" Criss passed away peacefully at home with his wife of 40 years by his side on November 10, 2025, wrapped in the love of his family both near and far.

Robert "Bob" Criss was born on May 1, 1949, to the late Raymond and Margaret (Nene) Criss in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He attended Shenango High School and received his welding certification from Lawrence County Vo-Tech. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Criss.

For many years, Bob worked as a welder at Tanner Plating and Pennsylvania Engineering. He later worked in the maintenance department at the New Castle YDC for 10 years before retiring in 2015.

He was a longtime member of Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City, PA, where his faith remained a steady part of his life. In his final months, Pastor Steve Plyler's presence brought Bob and his family great peace and comfort.

Though Bob lived and worked his whole life in New Castle, his heart was always in the lakes, rivers and mountains of Western Pennsylvania. He spent countless days in the woods, teaching his children and grandchildren to love and respect the land. He was blessed to see eight of his nine grandchildren catch their first fish and to witness the hunting trophies of the older ones. Bob and his beloved wife, Laurie, also cherished their time fishing together on their boat at local lakes and reservoirs. In later years, they fell in love with the mountains of western Montana, exploring its wild beauty whenever they could.

Bob was a rare kind of sportsman, an old soul whose love for the outdoors was spiritual. The woods were his sanctuary, and the quiet mornings spent hunting from "his rock" above Tionesta Creek were among his happiest moments. Above all, Bob truly loved being a husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was spending time with those he loved most. His curiosity and knowledge were boundless; he knew and shared the stories behind every ridge, stream, and landmark he ever set foot on.

He is survived at home by his beloved wife of 40 years, Laurie (Fenechi) Criss, his best friend and adventure partner, whom he married June 8, 1985.

Bob is also survived by his four children, Rebeckah Pruchnic, of Florida, Robert H. Criss (Brandy), of North Beaver Twp., Leah Anderson (Arlen), of Stevensville, MT, Renee Dahlstrom (Charles), of Hermitage; a beloved nephew, Jeremy Fenechi (Lisa), of San Antonio, TX; a sister, Barbara Bolinger, of New Castle; and his mother-in-law, Louise (Giglio) Fenechi (Chet Krawzyk), of Sun City, AZ.

He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Brittany Parenti (Joe), Tabitha Powell (Nico Jimenez), Gavin Criss, Gage Criss, Myla Criss, Richard Palmerine, Roman Palmerine, Thomas Anderson, and Arthur Anderson; and five great-grandchildren, Elliott Jimenez, Amelia Jimenez, Lorenzo Parenti, Lilly Jimenez, and Sienna Parenti, along with a vast network of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him and will feel his loss terribly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church, the ALS Association, or the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Shober, the 3 Rivers Hospice team, the VA caregivers team, and especially nurse Jenn, for their exceptional care and compassion.

Friends and family will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held immediately following at 6 p.m., in the funeral home, with Pastor Steve Plyler, officiating.

Bob was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.