Robert Espy Wonderling

1947 - 2022

Robert Espy Wonderling, 74, of Brookville, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2022, at the Penn Highlands Hospital in Brookville.

Born Wednesday, April 23, 1947, in Pittsburgh, PA, Rob was the son of the late Gerald David Wonderling and Helen Espy Wonderling.

On February 3, 1968, at the First United Methodist Church in Brookville, PA, he married the love of his life Mary Lou Brewster who passed away almost a year ago on January 31, 2021, and they would be celebrating 54 years of marriage.

Robert was a 1965 graduate of the Brookville Jr/Sr High School and started his career off at an early age helping his parents with the C.W. Espy & Sons Green House in Brookville. He later was the co-owner with his wife of The Pub Bar in Brookville and finished his working career as a conductor and train dispatcher for the Pittsburgh/Shawmut Railroad after 30 years.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brookville, a lifetime member of the Brookville Volunteer Fire Co. as well as a lifetime member of the Brookville Fireman's Club where he was a founding member that helped the club thrive into fruition. Rob was also a 30-year member of the Brookville Eagle #983 and was a survivor of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Robert was a "social butterfly" and loved visiting with people. He was an avid Steelers fan and just watching sports on TV in general, enjoyed going to the casinos, especially in Las Vegas and Salamanca with his wife. He loved playing cards and spending time with his family at the beach and laying by the pool, as well as attending his grandchildren's extra-curricular activities from sporting events to band concerts.

Robert loved his family and was blessed with 2 daughters – Kelly Carpino (James) of Knox Dale, PA and Robbin Reinard (Kevin) of Brookville, who gave him 3 wonderful Grandchildren – Samantha McGranor (Bobby), Aaron Espy Reinard, and Emily Alexis Carpino. He was enjoying a whole new generation with 2 great-grandsons Cooper Roy and Waylen Robert McGranor. He is also survived by 3 step-grandchildren Megan, Jim, and Adam Carpino all of Brookville.

In addition, Robert is survived by 2 Sister-in-law's - Peggy Willeumier (Bruce) and Rosemary Wonderling, and was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and Brother David "Chip" Wonderling.

The family will be welcoming friends from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church on 205 Jefferson St., Brookville, with a celebration of life being held immediately after at 6 p.m. at the church with The Rev. Joe Short presiding. Interment will be held at the Brookville Cemetery.

In memory of Robert the family requests memorial donations be placed with the First United Methodist Church – 205 Jefferson St., Brookville, PA 15825, or to UPMC Children's Hospital – 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Arrangements are under the care of the Peterson Funeral Home, 153 Jefferson St., Brookville, PA 15825