Obituary of Robert Eugene Gawryla

Robert Eugene Gawryla, 85, of State College, died on Friday, August 21, 2015 at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. Born May 6, 1930, in Newberry, he was the son of the late Albert and Helen Szybist Gawryla. On November 14, 1953 he married Mary Jane “Pat” Eiswerth, who survives at home. They were married for almost 62 years. Also surviving are three sons and their families, Michael T. Gawryla of State College, his two sons, Steven and David; Kenneth Gawryla and his wife, Cindy, of Stormstown, their three sons, Benjamin, Matthew and his wife, Jolie, and Christopher, two granddaughters, Amelia and Vivian; Donald E. Gawryla and his wife, Deborah, of Pittsburgh, their two daughters, Laura Gething and her husband, Tyler, Ellen and one son, Maxwell; one sister, Mary Ann Keller of Williamsport. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Joseph and George Stavoy. Bob was a 1948 graduate of Williamsport High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University in 1959. He served as a Staff Sargent in the United States Army from 1948 until 1953 during the Korean Conflict. Bob retired as an Electrical Engineer from Penn State University in 1991. Prior to working for the University he was employed at HRB Singer and Erie Tech. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church for 60 and ½ years. He was also a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus #4678 where he served as the financial secretary for 35 plus years and a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus #1945 Our Lady of Victory Assembly. In addition to the Knights of Columbus he was a member of the Moose Lodge #206 and the Elks Lodge #1094, both of Bellefonte, VFW Post 321 and the American Legion Post #245, both of State College and the Nittany Amateur Radio Club. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m., on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with the Reverend Neil Dadey officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801 or to St. Vincent De Paul, 526 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.