Robert A. Jaworowicz, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Saint Vincent Hospital. He was born on March 31, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Anthony and Jean (Lojewski) Jaworowicz.
Bob grew up in Erie where he graduated from Tech Memorial High School. He went on to graduate from Penn State with a degree in Engineering. Bob was called upon by his country to serve in the Army with the 2/23rd infantry division during the Vietnam Conflict protecting the Freedom Bridge in Korea. Bob was injured in combat and received a Purple Heart amongst other medals. Upon returning home, he was employed at Penn Brass and Copper for several years. He also worked for Leon Rzepka Funeral Home part-time and decided to pursue a career in Mortuary Science. He graduated from The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in March of 1977.
In 1979, Bob purchased the Bruce W. Hicks Funeral Home in Girard, Pa. Here, he grew a successful business under the name Robert A. Jaworowicz Funeral Home for several decades. Bob believed strongly in "Serving the living while caring for the dead". He was one of the original founders of the Independent Care Group who developed many small home-town practices which are still used in the funeral business today. He also acted as the West County Deputy Coroner in rotation with his other colleagues from the area.
If you knew Bob, you could find him in his garage working on his latest restoration classic car. He was a perfectionist in many ways. The detail of his cars won him many awards over the years, including being featured on the cover of magazines and receiving best of show at local and regional car shows.
Bob was active and served his community in many ways. He was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Church where he served as an usher for several years. He was also active in the fundraising for the new social hall which is now the current St. John the Evangelist Church. Bob was a member of the Girard Boosters, The American Legion, The Girard/Lake City Exchange Club. If you needed a sponsor or donation, he would always lend his support to local athletics.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Faith Sturdivant; and his brother-in-law, Edward Reszkowski.
Bob is survived by Rose Jaworowicz; his daughters, Julie Bellinger (husband, Tim), Beth Sturdivant, Ann Linn (husband, Andy), and Roberta Schaaf (husband, Joseph); his grandchildren, Robbie, Grace, and Michael Sturdivant, Alexis Walker, Joshua, Emily, and Joseph Jr. Schaaf, and William, Emma and Samuel Linn; and his sisters, Cindy Reszkowski and Judy Palucki (husband, Tom).
Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and may attend a service there on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Anna Shelter, where he met his beloved Springer Spaniel Missy.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
3:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum
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