Robert Walter “Bob” “Tah” Kanick, Sr., 82, of Indiana went home to the Lord surrounded by his loving family on All Saints Day, November 1, 2015, following a lengthy illness.

The son of the late Walter F. Kanick and Helen Pac Kanick, he was born July 14, 1933 in Clune, PA.

Bob was strong in his Roman Catholic faith. He accepted his sufferings patiently and gracefully; always looking forward to a new tomorrow. He left behind an example how to accept death with patience, humility and dignity, never questioning God’s will. He had an everlasting love for Jesus. One could witness faith in action at any given time when you walked into his room observing his making the “Sign of the Cross” three times several times a day. He never hesitated to say, “I love you” or to throw kisses to his family, friends, VNA Hospice, caregivers, doctors and nurses. In particular, doctors I. Bajwa and Jason Sharbaugh.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria Ondo Kanick, whom he married September 28, 1957. She was his caregiver at home for several years.

Bob was a devoted, dedicated father who was loved and admired unequivocally by his two children, Deborah Kanick Davidson and Robert Walter Kanick, Jr. and wife, Andrea Wannett Kanick. His most loveable and cherished times were spent at family holiday specialty dinners, especially sharing the Christmas Oplatky, a custom continued from childhood.

Bob was known as “Tah” to his children, grandchildren and friends (a polish derivative). Above all he cherished in life were his four grandchildren, who gave him the will to go on: Theresa Davidson Ireland of Los Angeles, California; Patrick Davidson and wife, Angie, of Ernest; Bobby Kanick and Branden Kanick of Indiana. They were his best medicine.

Bob is also survived by his two brothers: Henry R. Kanick of Homer City and Stanley F. Kanick and wife, Eleanor, of Avonmore; along with several nieces, nephews and Godchildren. Bob and his brother and sister had the “Kanick Trio”, which played for many ethnic weddings and were known for their polkas and waltzes. They were winners on the Wilkens Talent Amateur Hour with Al Noble in the 60’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Helen Bencic (John); Frances Yanoscik (Andrew); his mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Julia Ondo; and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Kanick.

Bob was a faithful member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church, Indiana, where he loved to assist with parish functions. He was a graduate of Elders Ridge High, a member of Homer City American Legion Post # 493 and a former member of the C & Y Sportsmen’s Club. He was a veteran of the Korean War with the US Army. He was previously employed and retired after 42 years from Westinghouse Specialty Metals Division in Blairsville.

He was a former member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and a Life Member of the Westinghouse Veterans Association.

His hobbies were hunting and fishing with his son and grandchildren, washing his car and yardwork. He enjoyed driving cars to the auction for Luther Ford Sales upon his retirement. He was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan and the Indiana Optimist Little League Junior/Senior Baseball program. He volunteered for the Optimist Little League concession stand, aiding his wife during her presidency of the Optimist Ladies.

Bob had a special affection for his VNA Hospice caregivers, Greg, Sandy, the two Mary’s, Kim, Lisa, Peggy, Mindy, Tom and Corbin, who always brightened his days; his priest, Rev. Father Tom Federline, who became a special friend; Rev. Father Don Conroy; Josephine and Mary who showered him with cards, flowers and lottery tickets; his faithful neighbors, Doug and Coleen who were always there for him and his childhood school chums and neighbors, Frank and Helen Mouser.

Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. The rosary will be prayed at 3:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bob’s loving priest, Rev. Father Tom Federline, Thursday morning at eleven o’clock at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church. Interment will be in the St. Bernard Cemetery, Indiana.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Walter ""Tah"" Kanick Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.