Harry Robert “Bob” Shirley, 93, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully at home following an extended illness on January 22, 2024. He was born on September 12, 1930 in Huston, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Thomas Charles Shirley and Mary Louise “Putt” Shirley Nicholson. Bob married the love of his life, Carol Ann “Cook” Shirley, on March 28, 1970, who passed away on February 08, 2003.
Bob was inducted into the U.S. Army in February 1949, served in Italy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953. He worked as a truck driver for over 50 years, owning his own trucking company for a period of time, and retired in 1997. Bob enjoyed fixing anything and everything, especially cars and RV’s – there was nothing that Bob could not fix and he loved to share his knowledge with anyone that would listen. Bob was the person you went to if you ever needed directions and he could tell how to drive just about anywhere. Bob enjoyed watching WWE wrestling while pulling at his socks with excitement and talking with his nephew Tony on the telephone. In the evenings, Bob enjoyed watching MSNBC while making his nightly telephone calls to make sure everybody was okay. Bob loved to go to Christy’s Restaurant to get a hot meatloaf sandwich and chocolate pudding. His greatest joy was spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially making hardtack candy, watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and spending the entire weekend at his house for the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, and Food Festival.
Bob is survived by six children: Melissa (Gerrad) Dober, Bobbi (Shawn) Thornley, Marianne (Daniel) Yurich, Ronald (Debra) Shirley, Susan (Albert) Carusone, and Kenneth (Sherry) Shirley. He is survived by twenty-six grandchildren: Robye Wilson, Michael (Kate) Dober, Erin Dober, Bradley Dober, Kevin Dober, and Ryan Dober; Kaitlyn Thornley, Miranda Thornley, and Matthew Thornley; Shelbey Baney, Joshua Baney, Dylan Baney, Aunonseeis Shirley, Ryeleigh Yurich, and Race Yurich; Ronald (Keshia) Shirley; Dana (Coleman) Ratliff, Dawn Lamenza, and Beth (John) Peterson; Brandie (Rick) Massioni, Nicole (Dylan) Main, and Kayla Carusone; Kenneth (Alexandra) Shirley, Ashley Shirley, Stephen Shirley, and Dustin Shirley. He is also survived by thirty-five great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. He is survived by two brothers Frederick “Chubb” Shirley of Mabon, Mississippi and Harry David (Mary Lou) Shirley of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Shirley; his sister, Olive Johnson; and his brothers Elmer Shirley, Jacob Shirley, and James Shirley.
One of his favorite quotes was “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, if not, I’ll be at Marshall’s.”
His viewing at Marshall’s Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Avenue, Ellwood City, will be on Thursday, January 25 from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm, followed by a service at 6 pm. Military Rites will be observed by the Veteran’s Honor Guard. A private burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Beaver Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
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