Robert L. "Bob" Evan

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

 

 

 

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Sincere condolences to the entire Evan family. The loss of a loved one is particularly difficult during the holidays. May the love of your family and friends and the warm embrace of wonderful memories comfort you.
— Joette Fearn Kompare

We are so sorry for your loss. It was nice that he was at the car show so Tom could visit with him. Peace be with you as continue to honor him.
— Tom and Diane Sheeley

On behalf of myself and my familypast and present, my heart goes out to you and yours. I know the pain and sorrow. Know Wayne was waiting to hug Bob. Love to All.
— Gayle Tarbox

Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this very difficult time. Judy Keenan
— JUDY KEENAN

im so sorry to hear he passed. he was a great guy i remember going to the rink every weekend..
— neldora lawrence

So sorry for your loss. He truly will be missed by family and friends. He was one of a kind.
— Carol Andrews Waugh

I grieve with the entire Evan family this day . my heart goes out to them Bob was very spiecal to and always treated me as one of the family all the years I had the pleasure to work for him. wish I could be there to say a final goodbye.. Bradford has lost a great man. I will miss him a lot for sure..
— Dave Lockwood

Judy and I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Frank & Judy Autieri

So sorry for your loss! I have wonderful memories of him at the rink with the Booth family. God Bless you all!
— Kent Blair

Sympathies to the family. Such a loss for Bradford when the Rink left. Enjoyed spending time at the Rink 4 days a week. Rip Bob
— Tami O’Neil Hildebrand

Condolences

  • Sincere condolences to the entire Evan family. The loss of a loved one is particularly difficult during the holidays. May the love of your family and friends and the warm embrace of wonderful memories comfort you.

    — Joette Fearn Kompare
  • We are so sorry for your loss. It was nice that he was at the car show so Tom could visit with him. Peace be with you as continue to honor him.

    — Tom and Diane Sheeley
  • On behalf of myself and my familypast and present, my heart goes out to you and yours. I know the pain and sorrow. Know Wayne was waiting to hug Bob. Love to All.

    — Gayle Tarbox
  • Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this very difficult time. Judy Keenan

    — JUDY KEENAN
  • im so sorry to hear he passed. he was a great guy i remember going to the rink every weekend..

    — neldora lawrence