Robert E. Melat, 87, of Carey Lane, Cranberry, died Sunday night, June 19, 2016 at his home after spending the day with his entire family, celebrating Father's Day and his birthday. 

                He was born June 20, 1928 in Rockland, the son of the late Boyd E. and Rose (Fry) Melat. 

                He graduated in 1946 from the Rockland High School. 

                Bob was active in the Over 55 Softball League, a founding member of the Victory Heights Community League, and was a 32nd degree member of the Petrolia Lodge 363 Free and Accepted Masons in Oil City for more than fifty years.   He was also active on the board of Melat Cemetery for many years. 

                He was a longtime member of the Van United Methodist Church, and also attended the Tionesta Church of God while living in the Tionesta area. 

                Bob enjoyed camping, hunting, sports, playing ball, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. 

                He and his wife owned and operated Melat's Grocery and Esso Station in Victory Heights from 1962-1974.  He retired in 1986 from Quaker State as a superintendent in the oil fields. 

                Robert was married at the Van U.M.C. on April 28, 1948 to the former Barbara J. Weaver, and she survives.  They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary together in April. 

                Also surviving are five children:  Dixie Peterson and her husband Jon of Victory Heights, DiAnne Slater of Seneca, Darcy Stover and her husband Terry of Cranberry, Jeffrey Melat and his wife Sue of Cranberry, and Jerald "Jerry" Melat and his wife Terri of Cranberry; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

                In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers; and a son-in-law, Butch Slater. 

                Friends will be received Wednesday (June 22) from 1 - 4 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township, where the funeral service will follow Wednesday at 4 p.m. with Rev. Sam Wagner of Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, officiating.  Private interment will follow in Melat Cemetery in Kennerdell. 

                Memorial contributions may be made to the Melat-Hanby Cemetery, c/o Lynn Hatch (treasurer)     210 Melat Cemetery Rd., Kennerdell, PA  16374. 

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