There are very few born into this world who God appoints the hefty task of teaching the Golden Rule to the rest of us. Robert H. "Bob" Howsare, 79, otherwise known as Dad, Pappy, Noodle, Bobby, the Mayor of South Richard Street, Nicest Guy Around, and My Friend, was one. Bob died on August 16, 2017 at his residence in Bedford surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was born on February 4, 1938, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Paul R. and Martha E. (Hainley) Howsare, and a Bucco for life. On January 25, 1958, in Bedford,  after wooing her with “a hot rod Ford and a two dollar bill,” he married Joyce Joanne (McDaniel) Howsare who survives along with the following family: two daughters, Linda D. Suter,  of Bedford, Gloria J. Smouse and husband Daniel, of Martinsburg; a son, Rodney A. Howsare and wife Kelly, of Allentown,  five grandchildren:  Heidi, Chad, Adam, Abby, and Olivia; two step-grandchildren:  Andrew and Nathan; seven great grandchildren:  Isabella, Tommy, Rylee, Joel, Parker, Adelyn, and Paige (all of whom he could name proudly until the end, right along with the stats of every Pirate that played in the 1960 World Series); two brothers, Donald  Howsare,  of Bedford, and Jack Howsare and wife Kay, of Roaring Spring; five sisters: Joyce Mahalsky,  of FL, Nancy Whiteleather and husband Dave, of OH, Joanne Bower and husband Bill, of OH, Virginia Haas,  of OH, Mary Carr, of OH;  his dog Lucy, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.  He was preceded in death by his biological father, John Ritchey, a granddaughter, Michelle, and a brother, Ronald Howsare widow Sue of Bedford.

Bob worked as a farmer after high school for many years at the old County Home in Bedford. He then went to work at Hedstrom and retired after 40 years.   He attended the Village Assembly of God Church for over 50 years where he was the Sunday School Director, taught adult Sunday School, and volunteered as the youth leader and served on the board at the church.  Most recently, Bob attended the Bedford United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed watching sports especially the Steelers, Penguins, and the Pirates, who he heard play one last time when they beat the Milwaukee Brewers three to one Tuesday night.  When Bob wasn’t being a friend to all or lending a helping hand, which kept him busy most days, he enjoyed gardening, golfing, and collecting sports cards.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel, at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Jim Miller officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received on Friday, from 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Those wishing can make memorial contributions in Bob’s name to the Bedford County Humane Society, 1108 Lutzville Road, Everett, PA 15537. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com

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