Robert J. Hammerbeck, 87, of Warren, PA died Monday evening, October 14, 2013. He was born August 13, 1926 in Warren, PA to the late Oscar and Jennie Genberg Hammerbeck. He has resided most of his life in the Warren area and resided for 11 years in Philadelphia. Bob was a 1945 graduate of Warren High School. He had served with the United States Navy as a Minesweeper, during World War II serving in the Philippines. He was awarded an American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Pacific Theater Ribbon. Bob earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Physical Education from Salem College in Salem, W.V. He was employed as Executive Director of the Philadelphia and Warren, PA. Y.M.C.A. retiring in 1991. He was an avid golfer and fly fisherman, he enjoyed baseball, basketball, hunting and fishing. He had served as President of both the Warren and Philadelphia Kiwanis Clubs, was a member of the Warren Elks Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Hammerbeck whom he married May 12, 1956 in Sheffield, PA., 1 Son – Kurt Hammerbeck and his wife, Tracy of Allentown, PA., 2 Grandchildren – Faith Elizabeth and Will Hammerbeck. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 daughter – Jill Hammerbeck, 7 brothers – Ing, Bert, Sig, Donald, Ray, Leroy and Jack Hammerbeck, 4 Sisters – Jean Nelson, Genevieve Phillips, Romaine Phillips and infant, Ruth. Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. 304 East Street, Warren, PA on Thursday, October 17, 2013 from 1:30 to 4:30 P.M. Members of the Warren Elks Lodge will conduct their funeral ritual at 4:15 P.M. A memorial service will follow visitation hours at 4:30 P.M. with Fr. Richard J. Toohey, Pastor of St. Joseph Church, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Warren Y.M.C.A., 212 Lexington Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
So sorry to learn of your beloved father’s passing. Our sincere condolences to your family.
So sad to hear of Bob’s passing. I worked for him at the YMCA years ago in the Y
preschool and for Camp Big E Nuf some summers. He was a great man . My condolences to the family.
Marge & family-
So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. I enjoyed working with “Mr. Bob” at the YMCA. He was a great man and a great boss. He will be missed!
What a great man Bob was!! I was in College when he came back to Warren. He was wonderfully patient with me as I tried to tell him how to run the Y better. It was always collegial and we had so many wonderful conversations about sports when he was the Y Exec and in later years when I would run into him at the Y or at various high school sporting events or somewhere in town. He was a class act in every respect.
To Family of Robert Hammerbeck- Kurt, Tracey, Faith and Will and rest of the family Deepest sympathy regarding the loss of your Father, Father-in-law and grandfather and husband. Keeping each of you in our prayers and thoughts. Blessings to each of you. Reflect on the many shared experiences with Robert which you shared and retell those stories mow and into the future for they will not only keep Robert’s memory alive, but also provide you each with comfort now and in the days ahead.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers for your loss …May all the many responses and heartfelt sympathies expressed concerning Bob’s passing help ease your sorrow and know that he was respected by generations of those in Warren. A very special man……
My sympathy to you and your family Margaret. I always enjoyed chatting with Bob when I worked at family Medicine. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye
I was so sorry to hear the news about Bob. He was my swimming teacher, when they let finally let girls take swimming lessons at the YMCA. I was always very fond of him, as were my brothers, who knew him more from swim team. Your family will be in my thoughts.
Aunt Marge & Kurt I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bob was such a positive influence in so many young lives, he will be missed. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to the Hammerbeck family.
We want you to know that we are thinking about you in this difficult time.
Marge and Family,
We were so saddened to read of Bob’s passing. May the comfort of God help you during this
difficult time and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Keeping you
in our thoughts and prayers and may your memories give you strength.
Our deepest sympathy to the Hammerbeck family.
Bob was a wonderful person.
I learned alot from him when I worked at the YMCA as well as when he coached swim team.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My daughter, Amanda, now 33, was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome and multiple medical problems. Many placed limitations on her, but not Mr. Bob. At 3 years old, we took her to the Y for swimming lessons. He treated her like any other 3 year old and gave her no slack! He assured us he would have her swimming and HE DID! He was one of a kind. We are grateful to have had this remarkable man in our lives and extend our sincere sympathy to his family.