Robert E. Harclerode

Robert E. Harclerode, 95, died on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at home.  Born August 23, 1925 in Ray’s Cove, he was the son of the late Brady R. and Velma M. (Foor) Harclerode.  

He is survived by his second wife, Carol (Bowen) DeLaurentis, and the following children: Robert A. and wife, Kathy (Pomante) of Andover, NJ; Angelo D. of Millington, MD; Stephanie D. Brouillet of Ellicott City, MD; Annette F. and husband, Mark Winkler of Coralville, IA; Rebecca G. Shuster of Bedford; and Aaron G. and wife, Gillian (Leach) of Glenmoore, PA; stepdaughters; Bernadette A. and husband, Robert Flynn, of Everett; and Amanda F. of Carlisle; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 step-grandchildren.  He is also survived by brother Michael D. and wife, Marjorie (Diehl) of Bedford; and sisters Linda L. Ciavarella, Mechanicsburg; and Judith A. “Judy” and husband, John L. Sheeder of Hopewell.      

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, the former Mary K. Masciocchi; brothers Brady R. “Chip;” Gerard L.; Terrance K. “Terry;” and infant brother, Gary Wayne; and sisters Patsy R. Wolfe and Shirley B. O’Neal.   

A 1942 graduate of Everett High School, he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and served as a radio operator for Headquarters Battery, 2nd Division, Field Artillery.  He was stationed at Elsenborn Ridge, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge, and was in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia when victory was declared.  He attained the rank of 5th Grade Tech and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, European Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Ribbon.    

After the war he worked as a radio operator for the PA Turnpike, and was part-owner of the Breezewood Mobil Station for two years, after which he owned and operated the West End Barber Shop in Everett.  He later opened the Montgomery Ward catalog store in Everett which he managed for 21 years until Wards closed its catalog stores in 1985.   He was also a rural carrier for the Everett Post Office for 30 years. 

During the course of his life he served in many civic organizations.  He served as Everett Civil Defense Director, President of Everett Area Industrial Development Corporation, member of West Providence Township Municipal Authority, Bedford County Hospital Authority, West Providence School Secretary, President of West Providence PTA, President of the Everett Lion’s Club, 1969 Commander of the Everett American Legion, board member of Everett VFW, member of Six Mile Run Legion, and Secretary of the Everett Investment Club.  He was also a member of the Woodbush Community Center and Bedford Sportsmen’s Club.

He was a faithful parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, serving as lector, communion minister, and parish council member.  He also served in many areas of church maintenance, and was active in many festivals and fund raisers.  He used his woodworking skills to create a number of pieces still in use in the church today.    

 He built furniture and other crafts in his woodshop; his last major project was a banjo.  He was an avid bluegrass fan, following the local and national musicians and attending many bluegrass festivals.  He was also a league member at Down River Golf Course and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved Pittsburgh sports teams and was a Steelers season-ticket holder for many years. 

Family and friends will be received at Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett on Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. until departure at 10:30 A.M. to the church.

Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 161 E 1st Ave, Everett, PA 15537 with Father Derek Fairman officiating.

Burial will be held privately at Ave Maria Catholic Cemetery, Dudley, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John the Evangelist Church, 161 E. First Avenue, Everett, PA 15537, or to Family Hospice, 227 Hospital Drive, Suite 2, Everett, PA 15537.

Arrangements by Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA 15537.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com

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