Robert D. Oltrogge

1942 - 2025

Robert David "Dave" Oltrogge, 83, of Zelienople, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, while in the care of Passavant Retirement Community. He was born Jan. 21, 1942, in Pittsburgh, the son of the late A. Robert and Ruth (Johnson) Oltrogge. David graduated from Upper St. Clair High School before following in his father's steps to Iowa State University. He completed his graduate degrees at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He attained his doctorate in chemical engineering in 1972, in partnership with Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands), where he enjoyed language immersion in Dutch and German. As a chemical engineer, he performed research and development for Standard Oil, Amoco, and BP in Illinois, Texas, and locations abroad. Friends and family knew him as a gifted pianist who lit up every gathering with his talents. Upon his retirement, he came home to his native Pittsburgh, where he delighted in music, history, and Christian ministry. David leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 37 years, Paula Oltrogge; his children, Obi Adrian (Eric) and Beth Oltrogge; his grandchildren, Holly and Aria Adrian; his sisters, Wendy Moore (Tom) and Elaine Smith (Craig); his sister-in-law, Rachael Oltrogge (Timothy); and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Oltrogge. Friends and family will be received for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053. A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Seaman Memorial Chapel at Passavant Community, 105 Burgess Dr., Zelienople, PA 16063. David will be laid to rest at English Lutheran Church Cemetery, in Zelienople. For flowers and information, please visit www.boylanfuneralservices.com.