Pickens

Robert Allen Pickens, 81, of Meridian, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, while under the care of UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

Born on Jan. 29, 1941, in Oil City, he was the son of the late John and Jane (Allen) Pickens.

Mr. Pickens grew up in Grove City, where he graduated from Grove City High School in 1958. He then went on to Grove City College and graduated in 1962. Mr. Pickens also obtained a master’s degree in counseling from Slippery Rock University.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1963 and saw active duty until 1967. Mr. Pickens was then in the Air Force Reserve from 1968 until 1974 with a rank of major.

Mr. Pickens worked at George Junior Republic and at the Oakdale School for Boys before joining the staff at Irene Stacy Center in Butler. He served in various administrative positions before retiring after 32 years.

Upon retirement, Mr. Pickens enjoyed golfing, biking, fishing and attending Steelers games.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Pickens was preceded in death by his brother, David Pickens and his wife, Denise.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Michele (Chiaro) Pickens, and their two daughters, Lauren (Adam) of Murrysville, and Kelly Pickens of Madison, Wis.; his three grandchildren, Reed and Amelia Madden of Madison, Wis., and Shaeley Reichbaum of Murrysville; and his brother, Doug Pickens (Shirley) of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Pickens also had numerous nephews and nieces throughout the area.

PICKENS — Friends of Robert Allen Pickens, who died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, will be received for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER OF CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Veterans in Need Funds, 143 Denny Road, Valencia, PA 16059; or Family House, 5308 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224; or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2488.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.