Robert “Bob” Kwalwasser, 86, of Renfrew passed away Wednesday at his home.

He was born in Iowa City, Iowa, to Jacob and Pearl (Little) Kwalwasser.

He grew up in Syracuse, N.Y., and attended Cornell University until he enlisted in the Army,. He served as a Ranger at the onset of World War II.

His interest in business was far reaching and those who had the pleasure of partnering with him became like family.

Shortly after the war, Bob opened Bobby's Shoe Store in Braddock and a few years later, he opened the World Surplus and Salvage Co. in Pittsburgh's Strip District.

Bob was an avid hunter throughout his life and loved the outdoors. One of his greatest pleasures was riding his John Deere.

A passionate collector of antiques, he, at one time, amassed the world's largest collection of antique mouse traps. His series of Weimaraner companions were a great joy to him.

He was a consummate joke teller and his sense of humor was evident even in the most trying of times.

He is survived by his children, Wendy Kwalwasser of Avon, Conn., and her children, Darren and Francisco; Ted Kwalwasser of Safety Harbor, Fla., his partner, Marina Lagler, and his children, Jacob and Justin; and Amy Kwalwasser of Round Rock, Texas, her husband, Chris Kjeldsen, and their children, Grant and Vanessa. In addition, he leaves behind his dear cousin, Fern Diamond of Pittsburgh; his sister, Helen Kwalwasser Wedeen and her husband, Harvey Wedeen; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the love, support, and guidance of Robert Feiss, M.D., his nephew.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Kalish) Kwalwasser; and his brother, Edgar Kwalwasser.

<B>Kwalwasser </B>— Per the wishes of Robert “Bob” Kwalwasser, who died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, there will be no services.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or to Alzheimer's Disease Research, www.ahaf.org/alzheimers/.