Obituary of Robert James Gilchrist

 

Robert James "Sonny" Gilchrist, of Chippewa Twp., passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Sewickley, he was son of the late Arthur Francis and Mary Margaret (Parker) Gilchrist.  He served in the US Navy and was a retired training instructor from Northrop Grumman.  He loved nothing more in life than his family and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Although, we aren’t entirely sure which one was ranked #1, we made sure to give him lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 
Most of you know him as “Pap”.  He was everyone’s pap, and this was the name he was most proud of.  He would pretend to be a grouchy old man, but in reality had a heart of gold.  He was the definition of what a man, father, and friend should be.
 

Surviving is his wife of 40 years, Rhonda Gilchrist; three daughters, Kimberly Gilchrist Krawchyk & Billy Sowards, Misty & Douglas Carpenter, Heather & Victor Gutierrez; a son, Robert Gilchrist; ten grandchildren, Stephanie Costanza (Robin Moreland), Matthew Costanza (Brittany Moreland), Colton Carpenter, Kaylee Carpenter, Ashlyn Carpenter, Gabrielle Gilchrist, Jesse Gutierrez, Gianna Gutierrez, Nicole Gilchrist, Miguel Montoya; eight great-grandchildren, Tyler, Madison, Layla, Caitlyn, Austin, Conner, Riley and Braydon; numerous nieces and nephews and some very special friends, Dave & Angie Beers and Rick McGreary.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters and spouses, Peggy & Tony Dercole and Donna & Sharp Davidson; two brothers, Arthur (Regis) Gilchrist and Gary (Butch) Gilchrist; a brother in law, Patrick McGovern; a sister in law Renee Lechner and a great-grandson, Noah Matthew Costanza.


The family would also like to thank Gallagher Home Health and his nurse, Gina; The doctors, nurses, and aides of Amedisys, especially his nurse’s aide, Lisa.

Friends will be received Sunday, October 28, 2018  from 2-5 p.m. at the Campbell’s Chippewa Funeral Home, 2618 Darlington Rd.  Beaver Falls, PA 15010.  Those that knew him know that he was a diehard Steelers fan.  Per his request, Please feel free to wear your black & gold to the viewing.   He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!  There will be a private memorial service at a later date.

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