Robert W. Turkovich Sr.

Robert W. Turkovich Sr. 83, of Bedford, died Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at UPMC Altoona Hospital.  He was born on October 25, 1936 in Aliquippa a son of the late Michael and Anna (Tomjanovich) Turkovich.  On February 8, 1957 in Winchester, VA he married Phyllis (Meredith) Turkovich who survives along with the following family: a son Robert W. Turkovich Jr., and wife Susan, of Bedford, a son David W. Turkovich and wife Sharon, of Bedford, a daughter Leslie A. Turkovich and wife Heather, of Schellsburg, and a son Erik M. Turkovich and wife Stacy, of Bedford; nine grandchildren: David W. Turkovich Jr., Jessica Turkovich, Bobby Turkovich and wife Mollie, Michael Turkovich and Amy, Lauren Clark and husband Obie, Rachel, Alyssa, Emily, and Tara Turkovich; five great-grandchildren: Will, Ezra, Ella, Max, and Evie; and a sister: Dolores Train, of Ohio.  He was preceded in death by a brother, John Turkovich, and a sister, Eleanor Dietman.

Robert worked for Bethlehem Steel and then as a salesman for Johnstown Men’s Clothing Store. He then moved to Bedford with his wife, and in 1976 he bought the local Army & Navy Store. He then renamed it to American Outfitters and eventually expanded the business into 34 stores in the region.  He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Bedford Elks Lodge #1707, and Bedford Lodge #320 F&AM.  Robert loved sports, golfing, and most importantly spending time with his friends, family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Private.   Burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Those in attendance are asked to observe the recommendations pertaining to wearing masks and social distancing as much as possible.  In lieu of flowers those wishing may make contributions in Robert’s name to: St. Thomas Catholic Church, 215 E. Penn St., Bedford, PA 15522, or a charity of choice.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefunerahome.com.