Robert J. Crusciel Sr.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; son, Joseph; daughter-in-law, Sheila (Hines) Crusciel; brothers, Stanley and Anthony Jr.; and a sister, Shirley.

Surviving are his children, Robert Jr. (Julie) and Lynette (Pat) Shaffer; sisters, Mary Lou Koeck and Barbara (Vaughn) Heym; his grandchildren: Justine (Mac) Festa, Amanda (Joe Dziabo) Shaffer, Lexie, Cole, Drew, Trevor and Peter Crusciel; a great-granddaughter, Haizley Dziabo; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend, Dolly Devett.

Immediately after high school, Bob’s work career started with the Jones and Laughlan Steel Co. near Pittsburgh before joining the Pennsylvania Railroad, and then the Bethlehem Mine Corp. in Ebensburg. He was a proud member of the UMWA. After retirement from the coal mine in 1994, he began his own electrical contracting business, where he worked until 2025, serving many in Gallitzin and the surrounding communities.

He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, later becoming St. Demetrius Catholic Church, both in Gallitzin, where he served in numerous capacities within the parish. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Gallitzin Knights of Columbus.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, including in Potter County at his camp known as “Panther Hollow” with his children, grandchildren and friends. He also enjoyed quality time golfing with family and friends. He was a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, in particular the Pirates, Steelers and Pitt Panthers football and basketball.

Starting in the early 1970s, Bob was an officer and coach of the Lions in the Gallitzin Little League, and later a coach for Cresson Legion baseball.

As a proud 1959 Gallitzin High School graduate, he was instrumental in keeping his classmates engaged throughout the years. He was a proud Gallitzin native, affectionately known throughout town as “Fluffy,” who loved his community and lived his life to the fullest, always with a positive outlook.

While Bob achieved much in his life, his family was his pride and joy and meant everything to him.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Gibbons-Houser Funeral Home Inc., 301 Church St., Gallitzin, where a vigil service will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Demetrius Catholic Church, Gallitzin, with the Rev. Albert Ledoux, celebrant. Committal at Resurrection Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Demetrius Catholic Church; or the Kathryn (Eckenrode) Crusciel Memorial Scholarship at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, 728 Benjamin Franklin Hwy., Ebensburg, PA 15931.

Condolences to the family may be left at gibbonsfunerals.com.