Robert Vinsick

Robert Vinsick was born on November 11, 1932 in Slickville, PA to the late Mildred (Bisich) Vinsick Grgich and Rade Vinsick. He passed away peacefully of natural causes, 4 months shy of his 93rd birthday, with beloved family caretakers by his side. He is predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Rose Vinsick. They met while both employed at the Westinghouse Air Brake Company. Affectionately known as "Pops", "Pap" and "Uncle Bob," he was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be missed by all who called him as such.

He was a lifelong member of the Trafford American Legion Post 331. A veteran of the Korean War, his service in the US Army for the 378th Engineer Combat Battalion included recognition with numerous medals and a meritorious citation. Those skills carried into his work as an Auto Mechanic in his younger years, and led to a passion for classic cars, especially a well admired GMC pickup (dump) truck.

He will be remembered for his dependability, humor, easy laughter and the mischievous glint in his eye when he'd request a bushel basket full of quarters; and share a collectible coin or lucky $2 bill with a fortunate recipient. A prolific woodworker, he shaped love into custom-made furniture that has stood the test of time as treasured centerpieces in family homes.

He instilled the value of gathering around the table as a family when he cooked up dishes for holidays and Sunday Supper, singing along to the sounds of polka music. His green bean recipe became an oft requested staple at family events; and all looked forward to his legendary peanut brittle and fruit pies.

He took great joy in spending time on the front porch swing at 238 Adrian Avenue in Trafford. Favorite daily pastimes were watching gameshows and westerns. He played card games and bingo to his very last days. An avid lottery enthusiast, he once hit it big for $100,000 in the Pennsylvania lottery and in turn handed out checks to his loved ones.

He is survived by his 101 year old sister Stella Papuga; his children Terri (Mark) Smith of Kalispell, MT; Robert J. Vinsick of Kingston, NY; Michael (Donna) Vinsick of Hudson, FL; Rhonda (Mark) Berlin of Harrison City, PA; Steven Vinsick of Trafford, PA; his "adopted" daughter, Mary Jo (George) Stanesic of Trafford, PA; his grandchildren Jessica, Christina (David), Heather (Jim), Michael, Lindsay, and Samantha (Jordan); and his great-grandchildren Jordan, JaLynn, Aiden, Clara, Henry, and Aubrey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Paul Grgich, and his sisters Ann, Mildred "Millie", Martha, Sophia "Dolly"; and brothers, George, Nick, Paul, and Frank "Butch". He was also preceded in death by his longtime best friend and brother-in-law, Joseph Ulisse.

His legacy as a master gardener carries on with his children and grandchildren, who continue his methods of growing zucchini, garlic, tomatoes, hot peppers, lettuce and more. Notably, one didn't have to share Bob's last name, nor his DNA, for him to call you family.

The family is especially grateful for Mary Corsi and all the staff and friends he made from the Connect 55 community.

Family and friends will be received on Friday from 5-7 PM in the John M. Dobrinick Funeral Home Inc., 702 7th Street (State Rt. 130) Trafford 412-372-3111. Additional viewing will be Saturday from 11 AM until the time of his funeral service at 12 Noon with Pastor Gary Simpson officiating. His burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization he was passionate about supporting. Dedicate your gift in his memory @ stjude.org