Obituary of Robert L. Gossman

Robert L. Gossman, 88, of Edgewood Communities, Jamestown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in his home with his wife and daughter by his side. Bob was born September 25, 1926 in Boone, Iowa, a son of the late Karl and Opal Waterman Gossman. After graduating from Rice Avenue Union High School, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served in World War from Sept. 1944 until June 1946. At the age of 16, Bob met his best friend and love of his life, Jean M. Shaffer. They were married May 3, 1947 and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this month. Bob was a retired store manager of the former Regal Lumber Store in Falconer. He was also employed for many years as store manager of Agway at locations in Titusville PA, North East PA and Ashville NY. Bob especially enjoyed their 20 year retirement in North Carolina where he was a past Topsail Beach EMT and fireman, as well as Chief of the Topsail Beach EMS. Locally, he was a member of the Herman Kent Post 777 American Legion. His faith always being very important throughout his life, Bob had served as a Eucharistic minister and belonged to the Holy Name Society. He most recently was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church in Falconer. In addition to his wife, Jean, surviving are five children: Robert J. (Veronica) Gossman, Jeannette M. Gossman, Margaret A. (Robert Snyder) Gossman, Michael H. (Kris) Gossman and Barbara J. (Shawn) Gossman-Casuccio. Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Karen R. Shadle, Karl Gossman, Martin D. Angelo, David W. Angelo, Spencer J. Snyder, T. Jack Snyder, Alyssa A. Anderson, Ronald C. Anderson, Thomas S. Casuccio and Anna Dae M. Casuccio; and two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Kyper Shadle. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2105 at St. John's Catholic Church in Girard, Pa. Inurnment will be in St. John's Cemetery in Girard. Friends will be received in the Social Hall of the church following services Thursday.