Robert “Gizmo” E. Huffman, 75, of Dutch Ridge Rd., Ellwood City (Wayne Twp.) passed away Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Jameson Memorial Hospital following an extended battle with colon cancer.
Born October 13, 1940 in Ellport, he was the son of the late Wilbert L. and Martha Stanyard Huffman. He was married for 47 years to Linda Aumiller Huffman who survives.
Bob retired in 2013 from McClymonds Supply and Transit. Following his retirement, he instructed new drivers. He graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1958. Gizmo served in the Army from 1964-1966 during the Vietnam War and was a member of the American Legion Post 749 in Wampum. He was a former member of the Clinton United Methodist Church. Bob enjoyed attending the drive-in services at Harmony Baptist Church. He was the President of the Mt. Hope Cemetery Association. From his time in the service until his retirement, he loved to drive, always knowing the best route without using maps. He enjoyed auto racing, both local and NASCAR. Bob loved animals and enjoyed Country Western Music. Family was very important to him, so he never missed a family gathering.
In addition to his wife, Linda, survivors include two daughters, Melanie L. (Cornel) Jerome and Laura Huffman, both of Ellwood City; sister, Helenjane Tanner of Shenango Twp.; two brothers, Donald Huffman of Wampum, David (Susan) Huffman of Homewood; two grandchildren, Melinda and Cross Jerome; and two step grandchildren, Serenity and Brielle and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Wilbert Huffman Jr.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday February 17, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.
Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 2:00 pm with Rev. Bruce Gardner of the Berean Presbyterian Church officiating. Military rites will be offered by the Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
Bob was a very special gentlemen. He was one man, I am proud to call Friend and Brother -in-Arms. You have fought the good fight and
now you are at rest in Jesus arms.
My deepest sympathy to you, Linda, and all of your Family at this
time of sorrow. Carolyn and my prays are with you.
God be with you in the coming days.
Standing Down.
Jerry & Carolyn Riedel
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
To the Huffman family;
Bob’s passing is a very sad day in my life. We became lifelong friends while we attended Clinton Methodist Church as young kids. After high school, he worked at my father’s business for a few years. We swam the pond, camped, water skied, played Tennis and many other activities. Somewhere along the way he gained his nickname “Gizmo” that everyone who knows him lovingly calls him. Of course, he called me “Arcy” cause I had a hard time wielding anything metal together. He was someone I have never seen mad, always pleasant and liked by everyone he met. Though the years while we traveled separate paths in life, I have always thought of the wonderful times I enjoyed his friendship. He leaves an empty spot in all our hearts. R.I.P. Gizmo
I was the little sister to Mike Swanik, who was Gizmo’s best friend. He ate dinner at our house several times a week, and he ate only one thing at a time. He got the name “Gizmo” from our mother, Janey Swanik, who started to call him that, I don’t know why. Giz went on vacations with our family and pretty much lived at our house. He and my brother were always tearing car engines apart and rebuilding them. I have such fond memories of Gizmo. He was always pleasant and smiling. What an up-beat personality. My condolences o family and friends. He was certainly a one-of-a-kind terrifice man who will be missed.