Robert L. Papalia, 67, of Warren, PA, died on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the Rouse Home after an extended illness.
He was born in Warren, PA on November 28, 1956, the son of the late Ross J. and Patricia Giltinan Papalia. Bob was a graduate of Warren Area High School, Class of 1974 and then attended Jamestown Community College. He worked as an Aging Care Manager for the Area Agency on Aging in Warren. Bob was a passionate woodworker and painter, he enjoyed sculpting, and most importantly spending time with his family. He had a love for football and the Buffalo Bills. Bob also enjoyed reptiles and had a bearded dragon at home. On June 29, 1985, Bob married the former Arlene Bessette, in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and they spent 39 years together.
In addition to his loving wife, Arlene, Bob is survived by his two loving children, Jacob Papalia and girlfriend, Ali Rich, of Philadelphia, PA, and Joseph Papalia and wife, Ashley, of Erie, CO; one granddaughter, Lilly Papalia; and brothers, Michael Papalia and wife, Nancy, of Jamestown, and Richard Papalia and wife, Kathy, of Erie.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Holy Redeemer Gathering Space, 11 Russell St. Warren, Pa. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am in the church with Fr. Mark O’Hern, pastor, officiating. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Faith Formation Fund, 11 Russell St., Warren PA, 16365. Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Jake and family, Jake so sorry for your lose, thinking of you and your family.
I worked with Bob at f/w dhs. What kind soul. Great sense of humor!
Sorry for your loss.
Anna
Bob always had such positive energy and a great sense of humor. The time I did get to spend with him was always a joy. Our love goes out to Arlene, Joe and Jake as they celebrate the beautiful life of Bob. We are sad we can’t make it to the service, but know we are thinking of you.
Love, Karen, Mark, Mason and Beckett Hofmeister
Bob was one of the kindest and funniest people I ever knew. I moved away from Warren in 1996, but I’d occasionally see him and his wonderful wife Arlene at Holy Redeemer Church. My wife, a cousin of Bob, and I are very sad to hear about his passing onto Heaven. However, Heaven just got brighter by its addition of Bob.
Arlene, Joe, Jake, Mike and Richie, so sorry for your loss. Bob and Milt enjoyed fishing together, catching some nice fish. Of course there were always stories of the one that got away. Usually there were stories to be retold over and over.
He carved some beautiful fish and birds, as well as pictures he painted.
The last few years he had alot of health problems that made it difficult for him. Rest in peace, Bob. Milt and Nancy Graham
Bob was a great guy in my high school class, and in my catechism class.
To Arlene, Joseph, Jacob and families we extend our deepest sympathy and prayers
for your loss. We remember helping you move from Chestnut Street to Irvine Street
and the party for Bob getting his college degree. May he now rest in peace!!!!!!
My deepest prayers and thoughts are with you. Choosing Bob and Arlene as Godparents to one of my daughters hopefully says how much you mean to me. Also sponsoring Bob to become a Knight of Columbus he was my brother. We will see you in heaven Bob!
Arlie and family
so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing…we certainly enjoyed our Sunday chats in Holy Redeemer gathering space. Bob was a quiet servant with a twinkle to share. From Befford PA near our daughter Elissa and her husband Matt we send prayers thst he id at Peace in God’s light!
I’m sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We were co workers in the 90’s. He was such a great man. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to Arlene and the family. Bob was truly a blessing. He worked with my son and helped him through so much. He was such a joy to have around. He was always smiling!
We’re so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I just saw the notice in the Holy Redeemer bulletin the other day. I worked with Bob during the 90s and enjoyed his sense of humor and smile and then with Arlene in the 2000s, enjoying her sense of humor and smile. You two are a gem! We both recall Jake dressed up as Pikachu when you both would take your children to our Halloween display every year. It was always nice meeting up with you, whether at work, after church, at Halloween, or just in happenstance. We send our prayers and hugs to the entire family. May your memories of Bob warm your hearts and pull you through in these trying times.