Obituary of Robert C. "Bob" Massullo Sr.

Robert C. "Bob" Massullo, Sr., 92, of Morgantown, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving wife and children Thursday, August 11, at Mon Health Medical Center after a brief illness. Bob was born June 18, 1930, in Uniontown, Pa., to the late Nunzio and Christina Massullo. He graduated from Saint Francis de Sales Catholic High School in Morgantown in 1949. It was at Saint Francis that Bob met the love of his life, Helen, whom he married in December 1951. Upon graduation, he began working in the plating department at the Sterling Faucet Company, and in January 1951, he became a truck driver for American Dry Cleaners. His truck driving days ended when he answered the call of President Harry S. Truman to join the military as an airman in the United States Air Force. From October 1951 until April 1972, Bob proudly served in the Air Force in various positions around the world, including Noncommissioned Officer in charge of the Top Secret Control Section of the Defense Atomic Support Agency, culminating in his service in the Republic of Vietnam. His numerous service awards and decorations include the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. He was also named the Seventh Air Force, Republic of Vietnam Outstanding Air Force Superintendent of the Year; the Defense Atomic Support Agency Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and the 75th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Bob began a second career working at West Virginia University in publications. He worked there for 24 years, starting as an operator, and culminating in his position of supervisor of all WVU copy centers. At WVU he was a finalist for Outstanding Employee of the Year and will be remembered by his colleagues as a family man and friend who always had time for them. He was a 1952 graduate of Tarleton State College, where he studied Administrative Management for the U.S. Air Force, and a 1977 and 1978 graduate of West Virginia Career College, with degrees in Business Management and Accounting, respectively. Bob was an avid fan of all WVU sports teams, and his family will never again hear "Hail West Virginia" or "Country Roads" without thinking of him. Bob also enjoyed his Thursday night poker games with his brothers-in-law Bob, George and John Thomas and his friends Brady Brooks and Bob Farley. Bob is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years, Helen; three sons, Bob and his wife Jennifer of Greer, S.C., Marc and his wife Caroyl of Winchester, Va. and Paul and his wife Michelle of Carmichaels, Pa.; two daughters, Kathy and her husband Luke Lafferre of Huntington, W.Va. and Elizabeth Massullo of Morgantown; his siblings Mary Ann Stiltner, Felix (Fay) Massullo, Joann Rodash, Teresa Plum, Carolyn Casino, Johnny Massullo, Nunzio (Pixie) Stiltner, Bobby (Radonna) Stiltner and Anna Marie (Joe) Volzer; his in-laws Ross and Vicki McVey, Connie Thomas and Mary Thomas; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren who adored their Pap Pap; numerous nieces and nephews; and a fantasy dog he convinced his grandchildren lived in his basement. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Albert P. Massullo. His family will remember him as a lighthearted jokester, a compelling storyteller, a beautiful writer, a person of great faith and, most importantly, as the man who loved them all the most. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, Monday, August 15, from 4:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. A scriptural wake service will conclude the visitation at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 16, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John University Parish, 1481 University Ave., Morgantown, with Rev. Fr. Phillip R. Szabo as celebrant. Private inurnment will take place at West Virginia National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or to St. John University Parish, 1481 University Ave., Morgantown, WV, 26505. Send condolences online at hastingsfuneralhome.com