Robert L. Pershing

01/21/1926 - 09/29/2007

Robert L. Pershing, 81, of Greensburg, died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at home in hospice care and surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Greensburg, a son of the late Joseph L. and Mary Crosby Pershing. He was a member and former deacon and elder at Trinity United Church of Christ, Greensburg. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy (South Pacific). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Pershing was the owner/operator of the former R.L. Pershing Upholstering, of Greensburg. He was an avid hunter and trout fisherman. He was a life member of the following organizations: American Legion Post 981 of South Greensburg, VFW Post 33 of Greensburg, Youngwood Sportsmen Association and L.O.O.M. Lodge of Youngwood. He was a charter member of the Youngwood Rod and Gun Club; a lifelong member of the NRA; a past member of the Greensburg Pointer and Setter Club; and a past member of the Mountain View Rotary Club. He enjoyed relaxing with family and friends at the summer cottage at Linn Run in Rector. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Osterwise Pershing; and a brother, Joseph R. "Dick" Pershing. He is survived by a son, Robert L. Pershing Jr., of Greensburg; a daughter, Barbara Power (Robert), of Meadville; and two grandchildren, Michael Power, of Charleston, S.C., and Dr. Jennifer Power, of Philadelphia. Since the passing of his wife, Mr. Pershing shared his home with his fiancee/companion of 12 years, Vera Steele. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, 505 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Robert McKie officiating. Interment with full military honors accorded by the VFW Post 33 Honor Guard will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township. For directions and online information, please visita rel="nofollow" href="http://www.BarnhartFuneralHome.com" target="_new">www.BarnhartFuneralHome.com. As an expression of sympathy, should friends desire, memorials may be placed with Trinity United Church of Christ, 139 N. Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601.