Obituaries
Rev. Dr. Robert Harry LaForce, 72
April 10, 2024
Rev. Dr. Robert Harry “Bob” LaForce, 72, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully and entered the arms of the Lord on April 10, 2024. Born in East Orange, NJ, he was the son of the late Bayard and Edith (Clarington) LaForce. He was married to his second wife Barbara (Yustat) Lutz-LaForce.
Bob obtained his doctorate from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His pastoral career began at Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City, where he met his first wife, Shirley. He also pastored at First Presbyterian Church (Philipsburg), Little Britain Presbyterian Church (Peach Bottom), First Presbyterian Church (Strasburg), Christ Church (Philadelphia), Bethesda Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia), Central Presbyterian Church (Long Island, NY), Stewartstown Presbyterian Church (Stewartstown), and most recently, Family of God Community Church in Red Lion, PA. He also attended Mission Church in Lancaster, PA.
Bob loved to learn, study the bible, read, and help others. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching baseball and football games, and was known for his love of mashed potatoes and peanut butter sweets. He even had the privilege of running the sound/audio at Woodstock for Jimi Hendrix.
Bob is survived by his second wife, Barb; son, Oliver Jordan LaForce (Sara); 6 stepchildren: Richie Axe (Cindy), Cristy Cowart, Caty DeLong (Larry), Patty Drewin (Brad), Corrinna Thompkins (Steve), and Deeanna Sobczak; 9 grandchildren: Richie Jr., Rachel, Ryan, Emily, Ayden, Ethan, Madelyn, Abigail, and Lucas; 3 great-grandchildren: R.J., Jordan, and Jade; and cousins Laura Zimmerman (Chris) and Joyce Zimmerman. He was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley P. (Gongaware) LaForce in 2007.
A service to honor and celebrate Bob will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10 AM at Family of God Community Church, 147 1st Ave, Red Lion, PA 17356. Guests will be received beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Bob’s name to Family of God CC.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
October 22, 2024
I remember and have good memories of Bob and his family when I was a boy growing up in Philipsburg. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I am praying for the family as they grieve that they find solace in Jesus Christ. He is the only One Who can truly comfort.
April 18, 2024
Bob was a very good friend of almost 50 years. He was a kind, and supportive person who had a deep faith in Jesus Christ. He called me often and always began “Are you working on your message.” It was an inside joke and I will miss hearing him say it. I’ll see you in heaven my good friend.
John B. (Mike) Loudon
April 17, 2024
Before writing this, I read the beautifully written tribute to Bob from the Adomako family. Reading this gave me an even greater insight into this wonderful, selfless man. I met Bob at New Song Church( now Mission church) . I was so impressed with his knowledge of the Bible and how he was such a committed, humble servant of God. I am sending my deepest condolences to you Jordan and other family members. I feel so privileged to have known this great man ! He truly blessed my life. I am so sorry I can not attend his celebration of life service due to another commitment. Sincerely, Judy Jesiolowski
April 15, 2024
He’s with the lord now…He’s in great arms. Please remember God is there for all of us…I’m so sorry… God bless.
Alice Tyler
April 14, 2024
IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER: The last words my dear friend, mentor, and father in Christ, Rev. Dr. Robert H. LaForce, said to me over the phone were, “Emmanuel, give the family my love!”
LOST FOR WORDS: Sadly, words fall short in times like these. The Queen’s language/English grammar cannot accurately take hold in moments such as this! Why? Because my heart is heavy! Yes, my family is in deep grief! I have stared at my keyboard for hours now, but I just cannot seem to be able to put a sentence together that pays sufficient honor and love to this great man of God. A man that my family and I had the distinct honor and privilege to call him “Uncle”! Oh, where do I even start? No combination of words could ever do justice to his legacy of faith in Christ or the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him, especially me and my family.
GO WAY BACK: Fourteen years ago, I had the honor of meeting a missionary, a lover of Jesus from the United States of America. Not long after meeting Uncle Bob did I know I was in the presence of a man who truly loved people, a man who passionately loved Jesus! What I mean is one who demonstrates the presence and love of God with such simplicity and alacrity. No one who spends time with Uncle Bob leaves the same. Not because of Uncle Bob, but rather by the way he demonstrates God’s love. Some call it brotherly love, others say friendly love. But we say a father’s love that is deep seated in Christ alone ❤️. We are blessed to call him a friend and a father in Christ.
A GENEROUS HEART: Uncle Bob was a giver, an absolutely selfless man who always put his family and friends first and himself second. A man who constantly pointed me and my family to Jesus. A man who literally sacrificed everything for me and my family. He taught me to be kind and to be a Kingdom man! A man who worked hard so I could enjoy college and ministry life in the States. I am proud to say that it was through Uncle Bob’s initiative I got the unexpected chance to study at one of the most prestigious, amazing, and Christ-centered colleges in the United States, Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary and Graduate School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was in LBC that I was taught to intentionally think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the church and society. All praises to Jesus, and of course, special thanks to my dear friend, mentor, and father in Christ, Uncle Bob LaForce!
IMPACT & LEGACY: Today, by God’s grace, when I look at the depth of love and passion that I have for God’s people and His evangelistic/ redemptive work in Ghana, West Africa, I can boldly say I was truly trained, equipped, and practically raised by a godly leader who loves people (regardless of skin color or ethnicity) and loves Jesus unashamedly. You could not be around Uncle Bob for long without realizing we are ‘blessed to be a blessing,’ that God has saved us to be conduits of His grace, not hoarders but givers (Genesis 12:1–3 and Psalm 67). Tons of testimonies could be written of Uncle Bob, his godly passion to win souls for Jesus, unashamed of his love for God and His Word, and the nations of the world, especially Ghana, West Africa—the Motherland, the Gateway to Africa!
TIME & ETERNITY: In closing, Uncle Bob has left godly footprints in the sand of time. His good name, impact, and legacy will be remembered for a very long time, and his story will be told for generations. The Bible says, “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep” (Acts 13:36). So, it will be said of Uncle Bob, and it may someday be said of us as long as we look to Jesus alone. Even though Uncle Bob is now gone physically, he is now more alive than he has ever been. He is now in the presence of our Lord. Hallelujah! Well done, good and faithful servant! You are still Uncle Bob, and we miss you!
Ps: Please continue to pray for my dear brother Jordan LaForce and the family!
From the Adomako Family
(Emmanuel, Alice, Eugene, Jayden, and Lady Jeanette).
April 14, 2024
I remember Bob from seminary, many years ago. Will be praying for all of you.
Dr. Tom Smith
- Visitation
- Saturday, April 20, 2024
- 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
- Family of God Community Church
- 147 1st Ave
- Red Lion, PA 17356
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, April 20, 2024
- 10:00 AM
- Family of God Community Church
- 147 1st Ave
- Red Lion, PA 17356
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
