Robert J. Spondike, 354 Norris Ave., formerly of S. Irvine Ave., both Sharon, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Saturday (4-4-09) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness. He was 59.
Mr. Spondike was born May 8, 1949 in Sharon a son of George and Margaret Winkler Spondike.
He was raised in Sharon and was a 1967 graduate of Sharon High School.
A decorated war veteran, Bob served from 1968-1970 in Vietnam as a Seabee with the US Navy and was the recipient of many medals, including the Bronze Star.
Following his discharge, he worked for two years for Bucyrus Erie Equipment Co. in upstate New York and later for Anaconda Mining Co. in the Tucson, Arizona region. He returned to Sharon in the mid 1970's and was employed at the former Sharon Tube Co. as a crane operator for twenty three years. He was also a self-employed landscape contractor.
Bob was a former member of St. John's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Sharon. He enjoyed fishing and working on his landscape equipment. He was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, Post # 1338, Sharon.
Bob is survived by: his mother, Margaret Vargo, with whom he made his home; a brother, Michael Spondike, Leesville, SC; two nieces, Sarah and Tara Spondike; three nephews, Todd, Tim and Paul Spondike; a great niece, Hailey Nicole Spondike; and a sister-in-law, Marie Spondike.
Bob was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Paul Spondike; a sister-in-law, Sandra Spondike; and his step-father, Martin Vargo.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday (4-8-09) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday (4-9-09) in the funeral home with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Polanichka, pastor of St. John's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Sharon, officiating.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honor's rendered by the Sharon Honor Guard.