Obituary of Robert Way

Robert "Bob" L. Way, 89, of State College, died Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Foxdale Village, State College. Born June 2, 1925 in Halfmoon Township, he was the son of the late Darlington Hoopes Way and Ina Alice Whiteley Way. Robert grew up on The Way Fruit Farm and was a graduate of Port Matilda High School. On March 21, 1948, in the Pine Hall Lutheran Church of State College, he married the former Ruth Margaret Grubb, who survives. Robert worked for Allstate Insurance Company in Syracuse, NY for 25 years. Previous employment was with Southeastern PA Artificial Breeders' Co-op in Lancaster County. In his earlier life, he owned and operated a dairy farm in Zion, near Bellefonte. In addition to his devoted wife of 66 years, he is survived by his four children: Linda D. Brose and her husband, Jack, of Athens, OH, Lois R. Todd and her husband, David, of State College, Lana W. Salisbury and her husband, Robert, of Sterling, CT, and Paul R. Way and his wife, Jane, of Rochester, NY. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Dr. Steve Brose and his wife, Zela, Dr. Christine Channell and her husband, Alex, Justin Todd, Kevin Todd and his wife, Amber, Emily Davis and her husband, John, Joel Salisbury and his wife, Nicole, Robert Way and his wife, Jennifer, Kathleen Way, and Thomas Way and his wife, Rebekah. He is survived by eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers: Roger Way and his wife, Mary, Elwood Way and his wife, Emily, and Ralph Way and his wife, Kamilla, all of State College, Joseph Way and his wife, Eleanor, of Elverson, and a sister, Rebecca Drick of Montoursville. He is survived by many caring nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Morris Way and his wife, Connie. Bob will be remembered for many wonderful qualities. Known for his fierce and steadfast devotion to his family, especially to his beloved wife, Ruth, he raised his family with selflessness and courage, always placing the duty of fatherhood above his own desires. Bob loved gardening, had a passion for travel, and was fearless at tackling household repairs and a wide variety of carpentry projects. He was a member of Pine Hall Lutheran Church in State College and St. Michaels Lutheran Church in Camillus, NY. He enjoyed his volunteer work at St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, FL, the Centre County Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity. He will be greatly missed by many. Visitation will be held from 1 until 3 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Friends will also be received from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 West College Avenue, State College. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at, Pine Hall Lutheran Church with the Reverend Susan Williamson officiating. All are welcome at the reception to be held at the Heydenreich Social Hall at the church following the service. Burial will be private in Pine Hall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Hall Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. 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.