Jul 9, 2013

Army vet, longtime Peters Twp. councilman, volunteer

Robert L. Atkison Sr., 81, of McMurray, died suddenly Sunday, July 7, 2013.

He was born May 12, 1932, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Clarence Wills and Jennie Sarver Atkison.

Mr. Atkison was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, with a degree in mechanical engineering and had a 40-year career in the industrial field in engineering, having served in many management positions.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Mr. Atkison was a 50-year resident of Peters Township and, at the time of his death, was the longest serving member on Peters Township Council, serving 22 of the last 24 years. As a councilman, he was most proud to have worked on major projects for the community throughout the years, including the expansion of Peterswood Park and Peters Lake Park, Montour Trail and the ambulance garage.

He had been volunteering for Peters Township Ambulance Service for more than 30 years and, at the time of his death, was the assistant director. He was a member of Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsmen’s Club since 1963, having served three terms as its president and most recently serving on the board of directors.

He was the beloved husband of 54 years to Ann Wissinger Atkison; loving father of Robert L. (Tricia) Atkison Jr., Judith A. (Dennis) Brimmeier, Tracey A. (Mark) Smith and Amy A. (John) Hamilton; cherished grandfather of Kara and Jacob, Eric and Mark, Joshua and Benjamin and Zachary and Abigail; great-grandfather of Amaya Lynn Smith; and brother of Shirley (George) Foliart.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 12. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in his memory to Peters Township Ambulance Service, 300 Municipal Drive, McMurray, PA 15317. Pease add or view tributes at beinhauer.com.