Robert Dean Neff, 88, of State College, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. Born on February 21, 1935, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Irvin G. and Florence (Bartley) Neff.
Bob was a 1952 graduate of State College High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years and then continued to serve in the Army Reserves for an additional three years. After his time in the service, he briefly worked for Farm Bureau of Pleasant Gap and then on a farm in Centre Hall. He then began his career with Agway, as a fuel delivery person before becoming an independent contract hauler of Agway Petroleum products, retiring in 1997. After retirement, Bob took a position at Stocker Chevrolet as a Specialized Driver and remained there for 19 years.
He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Ryba, and her husband, Joseph, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, two grandchildren, Nicholas Ryba and his wife, Nichole, of Slatington, Pennsylvania, and Jillian Ryba of North Chesterfield, Virginia, and two great grandchildren, Weston and Owen Ryba, of Slatington. Also surviving are two sisters, Shirley Witmer of Milesburg, and Louise McMahon of Lemont, and a brother, James Neff of Bellefonte.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Katherine Spayd and Joan Reish, and three brothers, Harold, Donald, and Malcolm Neff.
Bob was a member of the Mount Nittany United Methodist Church in Lemont. He looked forward to attending the Grange Fair and watching the tractor pull contests. Bob also enjoyed woodworking. More than anything, he treasured the time that he spent with his family and friends. Bob held many titles throughout his life – a loving father, a caring brother, a loyal friend, and a dependable employee, but his favorite of all time was PopPop Bob! He leaves behind countless memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.
A public graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 12:00 PM, at Centre County Memorial Park, in State College, with Rev. Jim Williams and Pastor Michael Swimley officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert to the Acute Myeloid Leukemia c/o PAN Foundation by going to www.panfoundation.org/donate