Robert G. Dorsch
Robert G. Dorsch, 84, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday surrounded by his loving family after a courageous eight-year fight against ALS.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Weidner Dorsch, and his father, Anthony J. Dorsch.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 62 years, Claire Geimer Dorsch; seven children, Robert A. (Janice), Gregory J. (Denise), Jennifer L. (William) Vanderveer, Nicholas L. (Tracey), Veronica D. (Gene) Vezzani, Alexander W. (Rita) and Benjamin G. (Erin); 16 grandchildren, Andrea, Brittany, Robert M., Lauren, Rebecca, Hannah, Gregory G., Dominic, Marcus, Justin, Olivia, Mauriana, Nicholas, Nate, Nadia and Anna; and several great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Anthony G. Dorsch, Elva Mae Roth, Arlene Hite, Catherine Wreath and Mary Lee Mirt.
Bob was born on June 9, 1934, in the Spring Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
He attended North Catholic High School, Class of 1952, and continued on to St. Vincent College from 1952 until 1954.
He was a faithful member of St. Gregory Catholic Church, serving as extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. He also served on the parish council when the church was built. He was a 64-year, life-member of the Knights of Columbus and charter member of the St. Gregory Council.
He proudly served as a corporal in the U.S. Army in Panama, where he formed lifelong friendships.
He was past president of the Zelienople Rotary Club and served for years as youth exchange officer, hosting 17 students as part of his family over the years.
Bob was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International with Sapphire status.
He loved raising champion beagles, was past president and a lifelong member of the Breakneck Beagle Club and was an AKC Show judge.
He enjoyed working with wood, carving and building furniture, creating beautiful works of art for family, friends and charities.
In addition to that and a full-time job, he was a master gardener and fulfilled his dream of raising animals, including cows, chickens, pigs, horses and many sheep to fill the acreage he bought in 1964 and to teach his children farming and invaluable life lessons while providing sustenance for his family. Bob was an avid fisherman and successful hunter, enjoying nature and all of God's creation.
Bob was diagnosed with ALS on July 13, 2010, when his life was changed forever, allowing him time to appreciate his many blessings and important relationships in his life. His positive attitude was reflected in his never-ending smile and had an effect on people he didn't even know. Like Lou Gehrig, he considered himself the luckiest man alive. He fought the fight and finished the race with a faith that never wavered but strengthened as his body weakened.
DORSCH — Friends of Robert G. Dorsch, who died Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople, with the Rev. Larry Smith officiating.He will be laid to rest with military honors at St. Gregory Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to either the ALS TDI, 300 Technology Square, Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02139 or online at als.net, or People Concerned for the Unborn Child, 3050 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15226.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
