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Robert W. Lape Sr., age 88, of Roaring Spring, passed away peacefully at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring, surrounded by his loving family after an extended battle with cancer. He was a son of the late William "Bill" Clarence Lape and Ruth Elmira (Walter) Lape.
He married Ruth Louise Walker on Aug. 17, 1953, and she passed away on Oct. 4, 2011.
Bob is survived by his twin brother, William "Bill" Albert Lape and his wife, Patricia "Pat" Carol (Rhodes), of Pittsburgh; his three children: Cathy Glass and her husband, Allen, of Duncansville, Liz Dauberman and her husband, Jim, of Mineral, Va., and Becky Brumbaugh and her husband, Don, of James Creek; nine grandchildren: Rusty Glass (Betty), Roni Greim (Matt), Robert W. Lape III (Kristi), Amy Cooper (Chris), Emily Tyler (Joe), Aaron Dauberman (Kristian), Jamie Lloyd (Willie), Jason Hilling (T), and Jessica Camerer (Travis); and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; a son, Robert W. Lape Jr.; and a sister, Lois Lichliter.
Bob was born in Johnstown and was a graduate of Somerset High School. He was the 1953 class president and participated in football, basketball and track. He organized every class reunion and documented class history.
He married Ruth in 1953 and raised their family in Roaring Spring. Bob was a Penn State Altoona graduate and had a successful engineering business. He and Ruth owned the Roaring Spring News Agency for many years. The building now houses the Spring Dam Brewing Co. Bob was passionate about Roaring Spring history and took pride in raising his family in the former Dr. Nason home, which was passed down to his late son and now granddaughter.
His hobbies included collecting antiques, clocks, keeping his cars perfectly detailed, local and family history, and following local sports.
When diagnosed with cancer in 2021, his twin brother, Bill, presented him with a "Twin Bracelet" with a note: "Bob, I've been wearing this gold bracelet for years. Now it's time to share. As you wear it, your twin is with you as your journey continues. The 56 links represent our jersey numbers, 22 and 31 plus 3 sports: football, basketball, and track. At the end of your last period -- pass it back to me. I'll catch it and wear it, knowing my twin is with me until my last period ends. It's been a "Golden" journey together. I am forever grateful for the twin-bond, thanks mom and dad."
An informal public gathering will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Roaring Spring. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by the Todd T. Thompson Funeral Home Inc., Roaring Spring.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be given to the Roaring Spring Historical Society.
www.thompsonfh.com