Robert E. Harclerode | Obituaries

Robert E. Harclerode, 95, died at home on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

Born on August 23, 1925 in Ray’s Cove, he was the son of the late Brady R. and Velma M. (Foor) Harclerode.

He leaves behind his second wife, Carol (Bowen) DeLaurentis, and the following children: Robert A. and wife, Kathy (Pomante) of Andover, NJ; Angelo D. of Millington, Maryland; Stephanie D. Brouillet of Ellicott City, Maryland; Annette F. and husband Mark Winkler of Coralville, Iowa; Rebecca G. Shuster of Bedford; and Aaron G. and Mrs. Gillian (Leach) of Glenmoore; Stepdaughters: Bernadette A. and husband Robert Flynn of Everett; and Amanda F. of Carlisle; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three bootlegs. He is also survived by brother Michael D. and wife Marjorie (Diehl) of Bedford; and sisters Linda L. Ciavarella, Mechanicsburg; and Judith A. “Judy” and husband John L. Sheeder of Hopewell.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, the former Mary K. Masciocchi; Brothers Brady R. “Chip”, Gerard L., Terrance K. “Terry” and little brother Gary Wayne and sisters Patsy R. Wolfe and Shirley B. O’Neal.

A graduate of Everett High School in 1942, he was drafted into the US Army in 1944 and served as a radio operator for the headquarters battery of the 2nd Field Artillery Division. He was stationed at Elsenborn Ridge in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge and was in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia when the victory was announced. He reached 5th Grade Tech and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, European Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

After the war he worked as a radio operator for the PA Turnpike and was a partner in the Breezewood Mobile Station for two years, after which he owned and operated the West End Barber Shop in Everett. He later opened the Montgomery Ward catalog store in Everett, which he ran for 21 years until Wards closed its catalog stores in 1985. He was also a rural freight forwarder for the Everett Post Office for 30 years.

In the course of his life he was active in many civic organizations. He served as Everett Civil Defense Director, President of Everett Area Industrial Development Corporation, Member of West Providence Township Municipal Authority, Bedford County Hospital Authority, West Providence School Secretary, President of West Providence PTA, President of Everett Lion’s Club, 1969 Commander of the Everett American Legion, board member of Everett VFW, member of the Six Mile Run Legion, and secretary of the Everett Investment Club. He was also a member of the Woodbush Community Center and the Bedford Sportsmen’s Club.

He was a loyal parishioner of the Evangelical Catholic Church of St. John and served as a lecturer, pastor and parish councilor. He also served in many areas of church maintenance and was active in many festivals and fundraising drives. He used his woodworking skills to create a number of pieces that are still used in the church today.

In his wood workshop he built furniture and other handicrafts; his last big project was a banjo. He was an avid bluegrass fan, followed local and national musicians and attended many bluegrass festivals. He was also a league member on the Down River Golf Course and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved the Pittsburgh sports teams and held a Steelers season ticket for many years.

Family and friends are welcomed to the church at Akers Funeral Home Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett on Thursday, July 1, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM departure.

Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 1, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 161 E. 1st Ave., Everett, PA 15537, under the direction of Father Derek Fairman.

The funeral will take place privately at Ave Maria Catholic Cemetery in Dudley.

Commemorative donations can be made to: St. John the Evangelist Church, 161 E. First Avenue, Everett, PA 15537, or the Family Hospice, 227 Hospital Drive, Suite 2, Everett, PA 15537.

Akers Funeral Home Inc. agreements, 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA 15537. Online condolences at www.akersfuneralhome.com.