Robert R. Fry

     Robert R. Fry, 86, of Titusville, formerly of Seneca, died April 8th, 2026 at SouthWoods by New Perspective of Titusville, PA.

     He was born March 22, 1940 in Kittanning to Harold H. Fry and Edna Keeton Fry.

     Bob graduated from Kittanning High School in 1958. He married the former Kathleen Keebler on August 27, 1959 in the Freeport Methodist Manse, and she survives. He attended Penn State University and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1963, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He was employed by Intermediate Unit 6, as a speech therapist in Venango County schools, retiring in 2000, after 37 years of service. Bob was also a member of the NEA and PSERS. He was very active in Venango-Clarion Special Olympics Program, having been instrumental in organizing the annual Special Olympics Golf Tournament at Wanango Country Club, skiing at Seven Springs, bowling, and swimming, as well as other events.

     Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, sports, and coaching little league baseball and basketball in the Cranberry school system.

     In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his sisters and close friends. The highlight of his travel was a trip to Alaska with his children and grandchildren.

     He was a 60+ year member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Oil City, where he was an Elder, Deacon, and member of the choir for many years.

     In addition to his wife (Kathy), Bob is survived by a son, Keith (Jo Ann Pondel) Fry, of Titusville, and two daughters, Mindy (Mike) Heinemeyer, of Maynard, Iowa, and Jennifer (Chad) Barr of Winter Garden, Florida, plus six beloved grandchildren: Ashley (Kristen Evans) Fry, Dustin (Leigh) Fry, Kristy Reisinger, Shaun Barr, Erik ( Timothy Jacquez ) Barr, Noah Barr, and three special great-grandchildren, Alexis Reisinger and Elizabeth and Lincoln Fry. Three step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Murray, David Pondel, Matthew Pondel, and two step-great-grandchildren, McKenna and Braxton Murray.

     Bob is also survived by two sisters, Joan Einsel of Hamburg, Pa., Diane McCanna, of Lewis Center, Ohio, and a sister-in-law, Shirley Fry of Atlanta, Georgia. Other surviving relatives include two cousins, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. 

     In addition to his parents and grandparents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Fry, one sister, Marilyn Shilling, and two brothers-in-law David Einsel and C. Dean McCanna, an infant brother, plus an aunt and uncle. Also surviving are a number of close friends.
     Visitation for friends and family will be held Friday (April 17) from 10 a.m. until Noon at the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Route 257 in Seneca, where a funeral service will follow Friday at Noon, with the Rev. Tim Harmon, pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, officiating.  Interment will be made in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens.  Following the service will be a light lunch served in the Fellowship Hall of the Second Presbyterian Church, 111 Reed Street, Oil City, for family and friends.

      Memorial contributions  may be made to Special Olympics of Clarion County, P.O. Box 10, Clarion, PA 16214; or the Second Presbyterian Church, 111 Reed Street, Oil City, PA 16301

     The family would like to thank SouthWoods by New Perspective in Titusville, UPMC of Seneca, Titusville Area Hospital, VNA of Crawford County, PW of Second Presbyterian Church of Oil City, and Hospice of Titusville. 

     To express online condolences to Robert's family, visit www.hilebest.com

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