Gifford

Robert W. “Bob” Gifford Sr., 92, of Karns City, went to be with the Lord Thursday morning, Feb. 24, 2022, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in New Castle.

Robert was born in Fairview Township, Butler County, on July 25, 1929. He was the son of the late Lorring Gifford and Mabel Mentch Gifford Claypoole, and the stepson of the late Samuel Claypoole.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Smith Gifford, who passed away on Dec. 27, 2019. The Giffords were married on Oct. 20, 1952.

Bob was a Christian.

He attended school in Karns City, and was proud to have earned his G.E.D., following his retirement.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War era.

He retired following many years of service at Witco Chemical in Petrolia.

Bob was known for his strong work ethic, and was a skilled builder and brick layer, and he built the family home in Karns City. He was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica, and singing with his family.

Surviving are three children, Linda J. Fleeger and her husband, Jim, of Saxonburg, Bonnie E. Douglass and her husband, David, of Emlenton, and Ruth A. Mastropietro and her husband, Joe, of New Castle; a son-in-law, Tom Sylvester of Karns City; four grandchildren, Chris Cancilla and his wife, Rachael, George Cancilla and his wife, Lisa, Wayne Douglass and April Douglass; two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Chloe; a number of great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald Gifford, and his wife, Sandy, of Butler; his sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Gifford and Shirley Gifford; and a number of other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert W. Gifford Jr.; three brothers, Donald Gifford, William Gifford and his wife, Jean, and Kenneth Gifford; and a nephew.

GIFFORD — Friends of Robert W. “Bob” Gifford Sr., who died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at HILE FUNERAL HOME OF KARNS CITY, 128 Main St., Karns City.

A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with the Rev. David Janz, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Butler, officiating.

Interment will follow in Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia.

Memorial contributions may be made to God’s Country Ministry of The First United Methodist Church, 232 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

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