Robert L. Ashbaugh, 78, of Indiana, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, in Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights.
Bob was born on November 9, 1945, the youngest of four children born to the late John O. and Leona F. (Walker) Ashbaugh, of Leechburg, PA.
He attended local schools in Allegheny Township and graduated from Kiski Area High School in 1963. Bob started at IUP that fall. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 – 1968, and then returned to IUP and graduated in 1970 with a B.S. degree in Special Education.
While in school, he met and married the love of his life, Fredrica Kopchick. They were married for 55 years and were blessed with a son and a daughter. Bob was a family man and adored his wife. He was known as a patient, gentle, and kind man. He will be truly missed.
After graduation, Bob taught Special Education at Purchase Line Junior Senior High School and thoroughly enjoyed working with his students.
In March of 1974, he began a 37-year career at the Homer City Power Plant. While there, he became involved with I.B.E.W. Local #459 and held various positions over 30 years until his retirement in November of 2011.
Bob enjoyed retirement. He loved vacations on the beach, traveling far and wide with his wife on family history quests and collecting antiques along the way. His motto was, “A full tank of gas, a hot cup of coffee and off we go! If we get lost just consider it another adventure!”
Bob is survived by his daughter Leslie (Joseph) Corey, son Nicholas (Patrice) Ashbaugh, his grandchildren, Hannah (Austin) Corey, Drew Corey, and Eva Grace Ashbaugh; a sister Pat Peiffer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife Freddie, whom passed away on January 18, 2024, his brothers John and Eugene Ashbaugh, and brother-in-law Donald Peiffer.
Friends will be received by the family on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the Bowser Minich Funeral Home, Indiana, from 12:00 PM until the time of the Blessing Service at 1:00 PM, with Father Paul Dressler, OFM, Cap, as celebrant. Private family inurnment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In honor and memory of Bob to the Indiana County Humane Society at www.incohumanesociety.com , or to the VNA of Indiana County, Medical Arts Building, Suite 3000, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA 15701.
To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.bowserminich.com.
