Benedict, Robert G., 80 – aka “Buffalo Bob” and “Bobby B. from Chickaree”, Jackson Township, passed away June 30, 2021, surrounded by his family at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center due to heart failure.
Born August 23, 1940, in Johnstown, son of the late John and Elsie (Haupt) Benedict. Preceded in death by parents; in-laws Mervin and Doris (Rose) Hess; brother, James Benedict; sisters, Jean Benedict, Frances Rogalski, and Agnes Yerty; sister-in-law, Dolores “Corky” Thomas; and brothers-in-law, Alfred Slippy and Byran Yerty.
Survived by wife of 59 years, Gale (Hess) Benedict; daughters, Robyn Benedict, Frederick, MD, and Kelly (Rick) Henderson, Jackson Township; grandchildren, Bobby Noel (Sara Mastrine), Pittsburgh; Sydney (Glenn) Beckmeyer, East Rutherford, NJ; and Jake Henderson, Cresson. Also survived by sister, Ruth Slippy; brothers-in-laws, Mervin (Rhonda) Hess, Larry (Valerie) Hess, Donald Rogalski, and Ed Thomas; special nephew, Randy Rogalski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob’s greatest hobby was his love of stock car racing. He could turn any conversation into a story about racing. He started racing back in the 1950s and resumed racing from 1979-1981 at Jennerstown Speedway and Ebensburg Speedway, where he was the 1980 Points Champion. Bob bought his grandson Bobby a stock car when he was only 13 years old and they spent many years together at Dog Hollow Speedway, Marion Center Speedway and Thunder Valley, where the family would spend many Friday and Saturday nights together. Bob also enjoyed spending time with his family, mowing and perfecting his lawn and watching all the wildlife in his yard on Chickaree Mountain. He retired from Ward Trucking after 25 years of service as a mechanic.
Family and friends will be received Saturday, July 3, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hindman Funeral Home, 1521 Frankstown Rd., Johnstown, PA 15902. A luncheon will be held at Jackson Township Fire Hall, 176 Adams Avenue, Mineral Point, PA 15942, directly following the visitation. Please feel free to wear your favorite racing shirt in Bob’s memory.
Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com