Robert F. Melder, Sr., 89, of Neshannock Twp. passed away surrounded by family Thursday afternoon, March 28, 2024, in UPMC Jameson Hospital.

Mr. Melder was born May 18, 1934, in New Castle, a son of the late John and Anne (Doyle) Melder. He was a 1952 graduate of New Castle High School where he was a standout on the Varsity Football Team, earning a full scholarship to North Carolina State. He later completed his degree in journalism at the University of Delaware.

During his career as a journalist, Bob held several writing positions and was awarded various honors, most notably with the New Castle News where he worked for many years and enjoyed the companionship of his two dear friends, Bob Vosburg and Don Bodnar. He also wrote locally for the Youngstown Vindicator and the Sharon Herald. Bob served as editor of the Pittsburgh Catholic for six years prior to moving to Raleigh, N.C., where he retired from the Raleigh News and Observer.

Bob was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary's Church.

An avid golfer, he enjoyed remaining connected with his high school classmates by managing the class website and organizing reunions. Bob's greatest joy was supporting his grandchildren in their athletic endeavors, especially by attending their games, meets, or events. More recently, he loved Thursday afternoon visits with his great-granddaughter, Avery, and Sunday dinners with his son, Bob, and family.

Bob was always a favorite at the many family events over the years with his nieces and nephews. Everyone loved "Uncle Bob." He was also a regular at the Neshannock Twp. Y-Zone where he will be dearly missed by his many friends and acquaintances.

His beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Lou (Flamino) Melder, whom he married June 1, 1957, preceded him in death April 11, 2019.

Bob is survived by two sons, Robert F. Melder, Jr. (Faunda), Neshannock Twp., and Trevor F. Melder, West Monroe, LA; two daughters, Lisa Barge, Neshannock Twp., and Jaime Moran (Rick), Linesville, PA; a son-in-law, Steve Penny, New Wilmington; one granddaughter, Andrea Wagner (Dennis); three grandsons, Matthew Barge (Megan), Maxwell and Grant Melder; and two great-grandchildren, Leyton Wagner and Avery Barge. He is also survived by four sisters, Mary Ann Nelson (Walter), Kathleen Stewart (Jim), Elizabeth Aiello, and Rita Torgerson (John); one brother, David Melder (Janet); and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Penny; a son-in-law, James Barge; and a brother, Jack Melder.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the City Rescue Mission, 319 South Croton Ave., New Castle, PA 16101.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (4-2-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday (4-3-24)in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary's Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle.

Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Neshannock Twp.