Robert P. Espigh

Robert P. Espigh, of McVeytown, peacefully passed into his Father’s loving arms, Thursday, January 28, 2021, at the age of 91.

Bob was born August 27, 1929 in Bratton Township to Paul R. and Sarah Catherine (Youtzy) Espigh.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Merrill.

Bob was a country boy, the apple of his grandfather’s eye, and grew up swimming and fishing in the Juniata River, hunting rabbits and coons with his father, uncles and dogs, and hunting whitetail deer on the ridges and mountains around Mifflin County. 

Bob served in the Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict.  He later continued serving his country in the Army Reserve.

Family was most important in Bob’s life and he always placed them first in everything he did.  He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Jean (Yoder) Espigh, along with their daughter, Pamela Hoy and husband, Steven, of Lewistown, and son, Tracy Espigh and wife, Laurie (Rothrock), of York.  Bob was especially proud of his five grandchildren: Matthew (Rene) Hoy, of Gibsonia, Jeremy (Mayra) Hoy, of Dublin, Ohio, A.J. Hoy, of Los Angeles, Calif., and Alicia (Scott) Erickson and Kayla (Danny) Brown, both of York.  He loved spending time with his eleven great-grandchildren: Jera, Robert, Kateri, Matthew, Kenneth, Dashal, Kaden, Michael, Camden, Paisley, and Oaklyn, who all brought him so much joy, and he was looking forward to the birth of his twelfth great-grandchild to join the family this summer.  

He held various jobs in his lifetime, from logging camps near Renova to delivering mail, climbing electric poles, to working at the Viscose plant, and ending his working career in 1991 when he retired from the New Holland machinery plant in Belleville as a welding inspector, with over 30 years of service.   

Bob was a member of Pine Glen Church of the Brethren and a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association.    

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved traveling to Wyoming where he spent many years hunting in the fall and spending summers with friends working on their ranch.  He enjoyed attending car races and loved watching his grandchildren in all their activities.  Bob also loved spending time at his camp and enjoyed the many meals he shared there with family and friends, and all the gatherings with his New Holland buddies.   

Bob had a generous heart and would go out of his way to help anybody in need.  He was a friend to all and will be greatly missed by everyone.  The world lost a bright light, but Heaven gained another angel.

The following tribute was written for her Pap by great-granddaughter, Kateri Hoy, Jan. 28, 2021:

                                From the moment you closed your eyes

                                To the moment they open again,

                                You’ll be reunited with the guys

                                Who left you way back when.

                                You’ll be far beyond our sight

                                In a place with no fear and no pain,

                                Though we’ll miss you every night

                                We’ll be glad that you’re home again.

                                We hope to please you everyday

                                In all that we will do,

                                And we’ll strive to keep your name alive

                                And always remember you,

                                So rest now, weary soldier,

                                God is calling you home,

                                Close your eyes and do not fear

                                ‘Cause you are not alone.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. 

Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, Lewistown, is in charge of arrangements.

The family wishes to thank Lauren and the many hospice workers and caregivers, especially Heather, who was always there with a smile and a laugh.      

Memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.        

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