Robert Washabaugh

Robert F. Washabaugh, 85, of Chambersburg, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2014 in his home. Born on May 14, 1929 in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late Paul Washabaugh and Effie Foose Washabaugh. He was married to the late Rose O’Byrne Washabaugh from 1951 until her death in 1995.
Robert served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and worked as a private contractor in Shelter Island, NY from 1951-1966. He then worked at Letterkenny Army Depot from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. A member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Robert served as an usher for 50 years, as well as volunteering for numerous church- and school-sponsored events. He was also a 4th Degree Knight and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 1426, member of the Burt J. Asper American Legion Post 46, Hume McNeil Byers AMVETS Post 224 and the Veterans of Vietnam War Post 41. In the 1970’s he was the innovator of the “Old Timers Christmas Party,” which provided an annual Christmas Dinner party for local Nursing Homes in the Chambersburg Region, which continues to be held today. Bob loved and devoted his life to his wife, Rose of 44 years, his six children, and seven grandchildren. He was a kind and supportive friend and neighbor. He loved preparing meals for his family and baking special treats, especially for his grandchildren and their friends. His retirement years were filled with extended visits to his children’s homes, preparing care packages to his grandchildren at college, which frequently contained Franklin County Apples, gardening, canning, keeping his mind sharp with crossword puzzles, and of course watching old time western movies.
Surviving are his children, Catherine Kroeger of Wahington, MI; Margaret Petner (husband Edward) of Darien, CT; Susan Williams (husband Richard) of Woodbridge, VA; Maryanne Preston (husband Christopher) of Gansevoort, NY; Stephen Washabaugh of Chambersburg, PA, and Anthony Washabaugh of Chambersburg, PA; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Ed, Molly, and Elizabeth Petner; Michelle Preston; and Christopher, Matthew, and Brittany Washabaugh. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Washabaugh of Scotland, PA. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Oyler and brother, Joseph Washabaugh both of Chambersburg, PA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA; where Rev. Dominic DiBiccaro will celebrate. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2014 from 6-8 PM at the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA; where a Rosary service will be offered at 7:30 PM. Interment will follow the Mass in Corpus Christi Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by members of the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201.