Robert P. Panco of East Petersburg passed away on August 16, 2017, at the age of 68.

Known as "Bob," "Tomato Man," and "Bobby Tomatoes" to friends and rivals throughout Lancaster County, Bob was a man who lived life on his own terms. One of his favorite sayings was "If you're not living life on the edge, you are taking up too much room."

Born in Hazelton, on July 31, 1949, Bob was retired from the PA State Labor Statistics Department. He proudly served his country as a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, spending time stationed in Thailand. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, though it's none of yours.

Bob had interests in gardening, produce auctions, and practicing massage, among other pursuits. It was his interest in produce auctions which led to him becoming known as "Tomato Man." Bob would purchase large amounts of vegetables at local produce auctions then supply many area restaurants with the items he purchased. He often generously gifted produce to his friends and was even known to travel great distances to ensure friends from out of the area could get fresh tomatoes, peaches, and other items. He was known to drive around with a car stuffed full of produce of all shapes and sizes. "He was like a truck farmer without a truck or a farm," one of his friends recalls.

In 2010, Bob was the focus of a documentary film, "7 Glasses," which investigated a controversial incident he was involved in at a Lancaster County brewpub. A truly unique man of leisure, he was known for off-color jokes and wild stories, many of which he was at the center. He enjoyed wagering on sports and was particularly fond of playing teasers. His favorite country song was "If the Phone Don't Ring, It's Me." He brought joy to many people and will be greatly missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Susan; a sister, Regina; and a brother, Michael. He is survived by a sister, Rita (wife of William Houser); niece, Celeste Fox; and nephews Peter and Michael Tranguch and Christian and Aaron Panco. Burial will take place at Fort Indiantown Gap at a later date.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Friends and family will be received from 9AM-11AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Interment will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery promptly at 2:00PM.