Franklin R (Bob) Pixley, 87

February 18, 2014

Franklin R (Bob) Pixley, 87, of Luther Acres Healthcare Center in Lititz passed away February 18, 2014. He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Born in Philipsburg, PA, he was the son of Florence (Tracey) & Franklin H Pixley. Bob was married 61 yrs. to Elizabeth (Jean) Rafferty Pixley, now deceased.

As a kid, Bob Explored Black Moshannon State Forest with the lake, streams, forest, springs & swamps. He enjoyed swimming, hiking and observing nature.

Immediately, after graduating from High School he entered the Army. He served his country in WWII as an Antitank Gunner with the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion “Chico Warriors” in Europe.

After the war, he returned to Philipsburg & started an Army Surplus store with his to be brother in-law Jim McNeish. The store did not fare well & he took a job working for Bell Telephone Co. where a romance bloomed with his future wife, Jean, a telephone operator. They married August 30, 1952 and Bob was transferred to Lancaster. Bob was a Splicer for Bell Telephone where he had many friends who lasted through the years. They affectionately named him “Spider” due to the way he went up the poles.

After he retired he worked part time as a bus driver for Manheim Township School District and volunteered at Lancashire Hall.

Bob enjoyed his annual camping trips with his family mostly at Black Moshannon Park, PA & Sandy Cove Campground, Cedar Neck, DE. Bob was known for his dry sense of humor & quick wit. His greatest joy and pride were his children, grandchildren & great granddaughter.

Bob will be deeply missed by his family but we know that he rest comfortably in the hands of God & has been reunited with his beloved Jean. Thank you to Luther Acres for being a second family to Dad. Bob is survived by his daughters, Maureen (Tyler) Foster of Melbourne Beach, FL, Susan (Michael) Steinbaecher, of Brownstown, PA, Tracy (Andrew) Martin of Lancaster, PA and son Michael (Amy) of Lititz, PA; six grandchildren: Justin Foster, Sara Steinbaecher, Caitlyn & Christopher Martin, Nicholas & Jackie Pixley and great granddaughter, Harmony Martin. He is also survived by his sister Jane Harding of Camp Hill, PA. Bob was predeceased by his sister June McNeish & grandson, Dustin Steinbaecher.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 from 6-7:30PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Friends may call again on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601 from 10:30-11AM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Bob’s memory to St. John Neumann Catholic Church at the above address