Robert Philip Gottron, 84, died Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Atrium, surrounded by loving family. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the 8th son of Marion and Franklin J. Gottron, co-founder of the Royal Vacuum Cleaner Company.
After graduating from Shaw High School in Cleveland, Private Gottron served in the U.S. Army from 1945-47, stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Upon his return, Bob worked as a board marker in the Cleveland Stock Exchange, where he met his lovely wife to be, Ocella Ruth Daugherty, who survives at the Atrium; they were married on February 11, 1950, and enjoyed 61 years together.
Bob spent most of his life in Stuart, Florida where he first worked managing a large chrysanthemum flower farm. He also worked on jet engines at Pratt Whitney in Palm Beach and in 1964 began employment of 26 years of service with Grumman Aerospace as a materials management supervisor. Bob started the Junior Conservation Club in Stuart, where he received numerous awards for his leadership in the program.
In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by two daughters, Linda (Ken) Findley of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Nancy (Paul) Silvis of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania; a brother, Douglas M. Gottron of Spencer, Ohio, a sister, Marion Clark of Concord, Ohio, and grandchildren, SSgt.Andrew Shelton (Sarah) of Valdosta, Georgia, Melanie Collins of State College, Kurtis Collins of State College, Christian Collins of Hoboken, N.J., Amanda Findley Meyers (Brandon) of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Amy Silvis Gravine (Tom) of State College, Kristin Silvis Thelen (Brett) of State College, and Michael Silvis of State College. He was preceded in death by brothers, Dick, Don, Frank, Anthony, and Bruce.
After retirement in 1992, Bob and Ocella moved to Hayesville, North Carolina where Bob enjoyed gardening and delivering meals from the First United Methodist Church to those in need. In State College, Bob worked part time delivering medication for Geisinger's Caresite Pharmacies and very much enjoyed the staff and patients he delivered to. He also served on the Building Committee of the Village at Penn State. In addition to wood working projects, and shooting guns with his son-in-laws, one of Bob's favorite tasks was taking care of Nancy and Paul's four dogs when needed.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 1:00 PM until the time of the funeral services at 2:00 PM at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Home at 1034 Benner Pike in State College, Pennsylvania with the Reverend Roger Templeton of Lake Charles, Louisiana officiating. Burial will be private at the Pine Grove Mills Cemetery.
At Bob's request, he and his family want to extend heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at the Atrium who has shown such fine care, concern and love to him and his wife. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Village at Penn State Resident's Annual Fund, c/o First National Bank, 1667 N. Atherton St., State College, PA 16803. The fund will be used to show appreciation to employees of the Village and Atrium for their efforts made on behalf of the residents.
A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.