Robert Rath Sr.
Robert Alfred Rath Sr., of Oldsmar, Fla., passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at HarborChase of Palm Harbor from complications of a stroke.
Born in Pittsburgh on Sept. 25, 1919, Bob was the second son of Frank G. and Anna M. Rath. After his father died when Bob was 9 years old, he and his siblings experienced a difficult childhood in the North Side area of Pittsburgh during the Great Depression. Relying on each other for survival, Bob contributed to his family's needs by selling newspapers on the Pittsburgh trolley cars, delivering coal to local homes in bushel baskets, and selling handmade neckties crafted by his mother.
Supported by the selfless efforts of his older sisters, Bob was able to attend and graduate in 1941 from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering just as America was entering World War II. After serving two years in the United States Navy, Bob returned to work for US Steel in Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, as an engineer helping to provide steel for the war effort.Joining his brother Frank at Spang & Company in Butler in 1954, Bob spent nearly the next 50 years of his career at Spang before retiring as president of the company at the age of 82. During his tenure at Spang, Bob was instrumental in the formation and operation of Spang's diversified businesses including: Ferroslag, Butler Refractories, Fort Pitt Bridge, Wolverine Toy Company, Sun Drug Stores, Eiben and Irr, and Magnetics, Inc.A member of “The Greatest Generation,” he was a man of the highest character and was universally respected by all who knew him. His bright blue eyes and smile made him a friend of many. While he valued hard work, honesty, and loyalty, he always had a kind word for people.Bob's hobbies included fishing, tending to flowers in his greenhouse, and many projects around his beloved farm in Butler County. His lifelong woodworking hobby led him to volunteer in his final years at the Toymakers of Eastlake, Fla., where he spent much time making toys for children in need in the Tampa area and beyond.During his life he also served for a time as the president of the Butler Area Red Cross and the North Side Cemetery Association. He had been a long time member of the Butler Country Club and the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh. He was a member of North Street Christian Church in Butler prior to moving to Oldsmar, Fla., with his second wife, Kay, where together they joined Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater.He is survived by his two sons, Robert Rath Jr. (Sylvia) and Charles Rath (Denise); four grandchildren, Taylor Rath Deutschle (John), Jason Rath (Nicole), Benjamin Rath (Alicia) and Angela Rath; nine great-grandchildren; and his loving wife of 13 years, Kathryn Rath.Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Elizabeth (Stratford) Rath; his three sisters, Kate, Bess (Pope) and Doris (Doolittle); and his brother, Frank E. Rath Sr.Rath Sr. — There are no services planned at this time in the current COVID environment for Robert Alfred Rath Sr. who died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. A family memorial service will be held later in 2021.Please make any remembrances to the ToyMakers of Eastlake (toymakersofeastlake.org).Arrangements are under the direction of Curlew Hills Memory Gardens and Funeral Home.An online obituary page is available at https://www.curlewhills.com/obituaries/Robert-Rath/
