Mar 18, 2022

Robert C. Shuster Jr., 97, of Washington, formerly of Strabane, went to be with his Lord Sunday, March 13, 2022.

He was born January 15, 1925, in New Kensington, a son of Robert C. and Anna Marie Rimer Shuster.

Bob was a 1943 graduate of Kittanning High School.

He was a veteran having served with the U.S. Army in the Military Police from June of 1945 until June of 1947.

Mr. Shuster was employed by the Army Corps of Engineers, where he was a deckhand, riverboat pilot and engineer for 42 years, retiring in 1986.

Bob was very strong in his faith. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Houston and more recently attended the Abundant Life Baptist Church in Washington. He was a talented vocalist and sang in the choir at both churches.

Mr. Shuster was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #553 in Strabane, a member of American Legion Post #902 in Houston, and belonged to the Canonsburg Sportsman’s Association, Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) in Strabane, Mon River Buffs and the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneer Rivermen in Marietta.

Bob enjoyed crossword puzzles, was an avid model boat builder, an accomplished artist and made many greeting cards for all occasions. He played Santa for many organizations and was honored at the William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh with the UPMC Care Giver Champion Award in 2012.

On July 20, 1948, he married Emma Louise Kraeer, who passed away June 20, 2001.

Surviving are a son, Robert C. Shuster III (Patty) of South Park; two grandsons, Erik Shuster (Tammy) and Nick Shuster (Lisa); four great-grandchildren, Meadow, Greenlee, Nicholas and Julie Shuster; dear friends, Sandra Fender, Stacy, Macy and Jeffrey Reynolds, Bill Fahrner and Josh Sasfai; and his furry friends, Lynsey the dog and Pumpkin the cat.

Deceased are two sisters, Shirley Heckman and a sister that died in infancy.

Friends will be received from 1 to 2 p.m., the time of service, with Pastor Marilyn Stevens officiating, Sunday, March 20, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Interment will be private. Full military honors will be accorded by the Honor Guard of VFW Post #191 in Canonsburg.

Special thanks to JoAnn Standish for the care she showed Bob while he lived in the Standish Personal Care Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 213 E. Pike Street, Houston, PA 15342, or the Abundant Life Baptist Church, 269 Cameron Road, Washington, PA 15301.

Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.