Robert L. ‘Bob’ Evan, Sr., 90, of Bradford, went to be with his Lord and savior on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born August 14, 1927 in warren, he was the son of the late John and Vera (Champion) Evan. He grew up and attended schools in Sheffield. He served our country in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged August 4, 1946.
On August 14, 1948 in Warren, he married Joyce Nielsen. Bob and Joyce moved to Bradford, along with his parents, brother and sisters and built the family business, Evan’s Rollerdrome in 1951, which they operated for 56 years. He was also the founder and owner of Seneca Precast Products a company which operated in Bradford for nearly two decades. He and his brother John also owned Evan’s Skateland in Celeron, NY. After retiring, Bob and Joyce moved to Hudson, FL, where they lived for 14 years.
Bob was a professional skater and taught hundreds of young people how to skate competitively over the years. In 1957, he produced and directed ‘Skate-O-Rama,’ a wonderful skate show starring over 50 skaters which ultimately raised thousands of dollars for the March of Dimes.
He was a 60 year member of the Bradford Union Lodge 749 F&AM, Coudersport Consistory, Royal Order of Jesters, member and past president of the McKean County Shrine Club and McKean County Roadrunners. He proudly served as Potentate of the Zem Zem Shrine in Erie and was instrumental in building the Erie Zem Zem Shrine Temple in 1984.
Bob loved navigating the waters of Chautauqua Lake for nearly 35 years in the house boat he and Joyce called home for the summers. He received his pilot’s license in 1972 and loved flying. He enjoyed nothing more than cruising high above the Kinzua Dam. Bob could build anything out of wood and his woodworking hobby produced many treasures. He was a lover of horses and his precious dog, Ginger.
His strong Christian Faith and commitment to family were his highest priorities. He was dearly loved by family, friends and skaters alike. He knew no stranger. He was a blessing to all who knew him and will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife, Joyce of nearly 70 years, are two daughters, Cherie (Greg) Booth and Bonnie (Ron) Booth, all of Bradford; a daughter-in-law, Suzanne Stidd-Gleason; 14 grandchildren, Greg (Kristi), Bill (Christina) Booth, Brett (Danielle) Booth, Amber (Jeff) Heshler, Jon (Betsy) Booth, Rob (Channin) Evan, Tiffany (Joe) Luther, Jordan (Felicia) Evan, Nikki (Mark) Wolford, Stanley Gleason, Josh Gleason, Ashley (Chris) Cummins, 39 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, two sisters, Doris Hungiville of Bradford and Shirley James of Kane; two sisters-in-law, Diane Evan of Jamestown, NY and Karen (Roger) Swart of Erie; a brother-in-law Alan (Mary) Nielsen of Lilburn, GA; a grandson in law, Aaron Griffin; and 20 nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Robert ‘Robbie’ Evan, one daughter Susan Evan Gleason, one son-in-law, Robert ‘Bobbie’ Gleason, one grandson, Michael Evan, one granddaughter, Ashley Booth-Griffin, one brother, John Evan, one brother-in-law, Edgar James, and one nephew, Tommy Hungiville.
Friends are invited to call from Noon to 2PM, Thursday, December 28, 2017 in Foursquare Gospel Church, where funeral services will be held at 2 PM, with Rev. Matthew McDonald, Pastor officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center in Bradford.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com