Robert Dean Stambaugh
Posted By DeBord-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory On January 10, 2022 @ 8:46 am In Obituaries | 34 Comments
LANDISVILLE, Pa. — Robert Dean Stambaugh, 72, a man with great faith, many talents, interests and friends, and much good humor and kindness, died Jan. 7, 2022, with his wife Barbara by his side. He died after a brief Covid-related illness at Lancaster General Hospital.
Bob nurtured many beloved friendships over decades and often traveled to visit far-flung family members. He enjoyed antiquing, dogs and cats, old cars, politics, music, Cleveland sports, movies, attending church, and renovating a house in Smethport, Pa., where he and Barb planned to live out their retirement years.
The eldest son of Dean and Dorothy Fink Stambaugh, Bob enjoyed his childhood in Garden City, Long Island, where he became an Eagle Scout, then moved with his family for his senior year to northeast Ohio. He graduated from Brecksville High School, where he made lifelong friends and played keyboard with the Cleveland rock band Shattered Nurves.
At Ohio University, Bob continued playing in bands, including The Ohio Entertainers, and was proud to be one of Coach Gene Thrailkill’s original Marching 110 Men of Ohio from 1967 to 1971, playing the cornet. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, was in Air Force ROTC, and completed private pilot training. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications. He returned to Athens several times over the years to play in the Marching 110 Alumni Band.
Bob, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served at bases in Kansas City, Mo.; Shemya Island, Alaska; and Plattsburgh, N.Y., as officer in charge of communication activities such as base radio and newspaper, TV broadcast stations, tours, media, public information and community relations. He completed Defense Information School and Information Officer Training.
Before retiring in 2007 to move in support of his wife’s career and to help his brothers care for their aging parents, Bob’s working life reflected his eclectic interests. He managed Sound Associates in Findlay, Ohio, and was a project manager for Findlay Industries, where he brought technology from Germany to license in the manufacture of automotive parts. He was a channel manager for Continental Cablevision, a broadcast technician for TV-47 in northwest Ohio, a holographic laser technician for Holovision Systems, Inc., a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, a substitute teacher, and a paralegal.
Outside of work, he has served as a Sunday school teacher, secretary for his letter carrier union in Findlay, and a volunteer for America’s Freedom Lodge in Utica, Ohio, which is a faith-based, non-partisan, nonprofit that provides wilderness recreation for disabled and paralyzed veterans.
With his wife, Bob actively supported shelters, veterinary care, and rehoming for stray and wounded animals, often putting himself in tough situations to help a cat or a dog. He also became a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association after fulfilling a bucket-list goal of graduating from PSU’s famed Ice Cream School.
Bob was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Pa., where he had been a member of the choir and the bell choir. He currently attended Mount Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lititz, Pa., and Trinity Lutheran and First United Methodist churches in Smethport.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brother Richard and sister-in-law Karen. In addition to his wife, he is survived by brother Alan; nieces Rhiannon (David) Williams and Emily (Kevin) McElroy; nephews Corey (Sohee) Stambaugh and Brad Stambaugh; brother-in-law Cody (Pam) Snyder, sister-in-law Norene (John) Koeppel; mother-in-law Penny Robey Williams; and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, grandnieces, a grandnephew, friends, and pets he treasured.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, Pa., with the Rev. Christopher Seifferlein officiating. The service will be live-streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/robert-dean-stambaugh. The family strongly encourages remote attendance rather than in-person. There will be no gathering after the funeral because of the pandemic. Burial will be the next day at Rose Hill Cemetery in Smethport.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to your church, local humane society, or a veterans support organization.
Condolences for the family of “Robert Dean Stambaugh”
Barb,
A wonderful tribute to Bob for a life well lived. I shall always remember his great smile & spontaneous joy of living.
Cousin Linda Stambaugh Krauer
Was always my Uncle Bob, Sorry to hear about the loss.
we are sorry for your loss
jeff and michelle wise mt calvary
Barbara,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close.
Heaven gained a very knowledgeable, faithful, loving, and Ornery man! Until we see that beautiful smile again Bob…..lots of hugs Barb and family! Tom and Amy Cooper
Bob’s smile and his friendly conversations will be missed by all who knew him. He had a genuine caring for others which was so evident. A very nice gentleman all the way through.
Barbara you are in my prayers. I really enjoyed Bob he was a good person.
Barb,
I’m so sorry.
I didn’t know Bob long, but he was a beacon of light in the short time I knew him.
Roy Hoffer
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a wonderful person who had a heart of gold. I truly enjoyed seeing Bob at all of the Class of 1967 functions. Bob thought nothing of driving a distance to be with us. He will be truly missed by everyone. Barb, I cannot even begin to imagine the sadness you and your family members feel. You are in my prayers.
May your faith, family and friends support you moving forward. Bob was a dear friend at Ohio University and a terrific Fraternity Brother.
I was a friend of Bob’s in his days in Garden City. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but happy to learn of the wonderful life he led after leaving GC. May his memory be a blessing.
Pam Stuart
My sincerest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and original MMO/110 members who knew him. Even though we were only under Coach Thrailkill’s direction for a short time, those moments can never be erased from our memories. Bob will be missed by all who knew him.
Bob was one of the good ones and anyone who ever spend any time with him knows that all too well! I am proud and consider myself lucky to have known him as my good friend. I will miss him with that smile and laugh! My very best to you and yours. Happy trails partner!
Saddened to read this, spent many years with Bob and Rich in Findlay, my condolences, they were great men.
Barb
I worked with Bob at Continental Cable for several years. He was a true friend d to me. I first et him when I was in the 8th grade as he sold me my first Home HI Fi stereo system when he ran Sound Associiates. I bought it there because of Bob and how quickly I grew to trust him. Many years later I graduated college and got my first job with cable advertising and there he was welcoming me my first day. It was like qe never missed a beat. Even though I have not seen him in many years, I always considered him one of my best friends.
All of my Love and Prayers
Paul Reimer
We were saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. It was a joy to know this faithful, kind and interesting man. We pray that sweet memories will give you comfort, and that sincere condolences will give you strength and healing. Much love, Marilyn and Mead
I was so shocked to hear of Bob’s passing. I met him through Bill and Bob, his cousins. I graduated from high school with them. He was a great guy and I loved him a lot. I have many memories of Bob and will treasure them always!
Barb, my prayers go out to you in your time of grief. Just know that others are thinking about you and praying for you.
Bob was a great guy fraternity brother and loved by so many. May his memory comfort family and friends. Rest in peace, old friend.
One of my pledge brothers in Phi Kappa Sigma. Sorry for the loss. Had some good times with Bob driving to Florida once and a trip to Put in Bay. Stayed overnight at his house once. +_I T
My condolences to you Barbara and your family. The obit gave a beautiful full picture of your husband’s life accomplishments and passion. I hope your wonderful memories of him will bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Barb,
I was a freshman in the Marching Men of Ohio when Bob was a senior. Although I didn’t know him well at that time, he was one of the seniors who made me feel comfortable and welcome with his smile and antics. We became better acquainted on the MMO Facebook page, and enjoyed sharing our memories. It was a shock when I found that he had passed away. I will miss our conversations, and remember him for his warmth and kindness.
I knew Bob mostly during the brief time he was at Brecksville High School, but we worked together on his 1963 Chevy, as I remember, and he was always one ready to help others with their car projects. He also tuned up my record player when he worked at Sound Associates in Findlay, Ohio and I still have that player. Bob made the effort to travel to our Brecksville events these later years, even though it was a fair driving distance. We will all miss his smile and stories.
To Barb and extended family,
As a fellow Phi Kappa Sigma brother I always enjoyed our times spent together at Ohio U. His music was enjoyed by all of the brothers and over the years have stayed in touch via Facebook. As it has been said by others it was clear to see back in the 60’s and the years in between how Bob was a people person. The fact that he had several hobbies, interests, collections around the country of friends and the testimonials in his name speak to his impact on others. RIP brother Bob and our sincerest condolences on losing this special guy way too young. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Susi and Allen, OU alums
my heart is saddened by the loss of Bobby, one of my favorite GCHS friends. I hope, Barbara, that you have many wonderful memories to sustain you as time goes on.
His smile and friendship and love of life will go on in my mind and you will be in my thoughts and prayers as well. i thank God for having known him and his gentle thoughtfullness and caring nature.
So sad to hear of Bob’s passing. What a great guy. Thank you, Bob, for all of the wonderful memories of our youth that I will cherish forever.
Missing Rich too…
Dear Barb,
I offer you my deepest condolences following this immense loss. I was devastated to learn of Uncle Bob’s passing. I have such fond memories of all the time we shared. I am eternally grateful for his steady, loving, and joyful influence in my life. I hope your memories of him will bring you peace and comfort.
Love, Emily
My dear friend Bob was a gentleman, a man of faith, a devoted husband and a good soul who cared for so many others. We are all lucky to have experienced his kindness, his humor and his talents and we are all better for having had the privilege of knowing him.
Godspeed my friend.
Barb, we are so heart broken to hear about Bob. We looked forward to him popping in unexpectedly from time to time . Warren and Bob were friends along time . He will be missed.
Warren and Deb
Barb,
Our family is saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Maria and I will always remember the times that we all got together at the Alwine Civic Center. I myself will always be grateful for when Bob helped me take care of my mother Sally.
We all will remember Bob as a man of faith and the influence he had on our family. May the Lord comfort and bless you knowing the impact that Bob had in everyone’s life.
We are thankful for every moment with “Uncle Bob”. His presence warmed our home and hearts with laughter and love for years.
He will be greatly missed.
David and Christina Hickman and family
Barb, so sorry to hear of your loss.
The world lost a good person…and God brought one of His sons home.
Dear Barb,
Jean and I were devastated to learn of Bob’s passing. I last talked to him just after his operation in October. He seemed so happy to put that problem behind him . Covid is such a horrible disease. From my conversations with him over the past several years I know that he felt so fortunate to have you and I know he loved you very much. With deepest sympathy and friendship.
Jean and Dave Stuart
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Barb,
May God give you comfort and peace at this difficult time. May your memories of all your years together give you peace, You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Our husbands shared many memories and fun times together, Bob will missed by everyone who knew him.