Robert A. Wilks

Robert A. “Bob” Wilks, 80, of Geistown, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 30, 2024.  Born on November 18, 1943 in Philipsburg, PA, son of Robert Wilks and Dorothy Campbell (Godin).

Preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife of 54 years Mary K. “Kathy” Wilks.  Survived by his children Danielle wife of Jason Lazurick, Michael married to Tammy (Hanyok), and Matthew married to Rachel (King), and his beloved grandchildren who called him PapPap, Kaiden and Anya Lazurick, Michael and Sean, and Giovanni and Donnie. Also survived by his brother Benjamin L. Wilks, sister-in-law Diane wife of Robert Kaspick, nieces and nephews, and his dear friends. 

Robert graduated from Moshannon Valley High School in 1961.  He earned an associate degree in electrical engineering technology at Pennsylvania State University in 1963, and went on to earn his bachelors degree in electrical engineering in 1968, graduating Cum Laude.  In 1971 he received a Master in Arts Degree in Industrial Relations from Saint Francis College of Loretto.  And in 1977 he earned his professional engineer license from the State of Pennsylvania.

Robert’s career spanned over 50 years in the steel industry.  In 1963, Robert began his career with Bethlehem Steel and was later selected for their looper program.  He went on to work for Republic Technologies and then Johnstown Wire Technologies, where he retired in 2013.  He held various maintenance roles across all facets of steel manufacturing and finishing, from electrical line and construction foreman to acting supervisor of maintenance. He truly enjoyed his work, the people and the life-long friendships.

Robert was an avid Penn State football fan, enjoying home games with his wife. He loved to ski, enjoyed boating at Lake Raystown, and skeet and trap shooting at Bethco Pines and Daisytown.  He liked to hunt, and once in a while play golf with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed traveling, whether out west to ski or hunt, on cruises with his wife, or traveling abroad with his daughter and son-in-law.

Robert was a long-time volunteer for V.E. Erickson Little League, where he coached his kids.  He was a member of the Bethco Pines and Management Club committees for Bethlehem Steel, a Free Mason out of Philipsburg, PA.  He also attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church with his wife.  Robert loved life and always put his family first.  When he wasn’t watching one of the grandkids activities, he was likely eating ice cream or working on one more project.

Friends received from 4-7 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024 and 10-10:30 AM on Saturday at Frank Duca Funeral Home, East Hills Chapel and Crematory, 404 Walters Avenue, Johnstown PA 15904.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday at St. Anne Church, in Moxham. Interment, Richland Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org in memory of Robert.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert A. Wilks, please visit our floral store.