Obituary of Robert W. Gailey

GAILEY Robert W. Sr., 88, Cresson, died June 1, 2014, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh. Born June 19, 1925, in Cresson, son of the late James M. Sr. and Zella (Connacher) Gailey. Preceded in death by wife, Mary J. (Illig), on Aug. 27, 1988; and daughter, Josephine. Survived by children, Mary T. Wivell (Steve), Cresson; Peggy Broad (James M. Sr.), with whom he resided; Robert Jr. (Mary Ellen Noland), Cresson; Jean Stich, Cresson; and John (Cheryl Boling), Camp Hill, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Brother of Clifford, Cresson; James Jr. (Margaret Freidhof), Lilly; Mary Stohon, Cresson; Betty Shultz, Loretto; Francis (Mary Ann Byrnes), East Freedom; and Catherine Smelley, Lilly. Also survived by uncle, Fred Connacher (Camille), Cresson. He retired in 1987 from Cresson State School and Hospital as boiler plant operator with 17 years of service. Prior to that, he had worked in construction and coal mines. World War II Army Air Force veteran. Member of St. Aloysius Parish and American Legion, both of Cresson, and AARP. Bob and his wife loved to travel, hunt and fish. He loved his woodshop, and was known for his cabinets, clocks and rocking chairs. Friends received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson, where Legion of Mary will recite the rosary at 3 p.m. followed by vigil for the deceased. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Aloysius Church, the Very Rev. Father John D. Byrnes. Committal, church cemetery. Graveside military rites by Cresson American Legion, Sankertown VFW and other local veteran organizations. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cambria Alliance EMS, Cresson.