Robert D. (Bob) Davis

Robert D. (Bob) Davis, 77, of Meadville (Vernon Township), passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital, Erie surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born September 28, 1939 in McKeesport, a son of the late Clarence and Betty Toth Davis.  He married Marian Sykes June 8, 1957 and she survives.

Bob was a 1957 graduate of McKeesport High School.  He worked in management at the G.C. Murphy Co., was owner and operator of The Stag Bar in Meadville and also worked for the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad.  He subsequently worked in restaurant management for Sanray Corporation and then was owner and operator of Perkins Restaurant in Franklin where he appeared on national television’s “Real People” flipping pancakes.  Bob also owned and operated the Franklin Depot and the Waterfront Restaurant, both in Franklin and subsequently worked at SCI Cambridge Springs and Albion in food service management.  He retired from SCI Albion in June 2007.

Bob served as a Vernon Township supervisor since 1998 and was board chairman for 16 years.  He took a special interest in Roche Park where he was very instrumental in the park’s development.  Bob was a board member of the Northwest PA Rural Electric Co-operative Assn. and a director of the PA Rural Electric Co-operative Assn., Harrisburg.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Vernon Central Volunteer Fire Dept., and Vernon Volunteer Fire Dept.  He loved horses, especially American Saddlebred Horses that he bred and raised.  Bob loved farming and enjoyed antique cars, trucks, and tractors but his greatest love was for his wife, children, grandchildren, and his dog Andy.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Marian of almost 60 years, include two daughters, Cynthia Novotny and her husband Richard and Tammy Grasso and her husband Bob, all of Meadville; a son, Scott Davis and his wife Debi of Meadville; four grandchildren, Jennifer Novotny-Mulrooney and her husband Jeff of Pittsburgh, Libby and Mike Grasso of Meadville, and Mackenzie Davis of Meadville; a sister, Betty Joan Keenan and her husband Robert of White Oak; and two nephews, Todd Keenan and Dan Keenan and his wife Laura.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

The funeral service will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 649 Park Ave., Meadville with the Rev. Benjamin Travis, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Vernon Township (for Roche Park), 16678 McMath Ave. or to the Crawford County Humane Society, 11012 Kennedy Hill Rd., both of Meadville, PA 16335.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.