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Robert (Bob) A. Veltre, 85, of 215 Raptor Circle, New Castle, formerly of Hillsville, passed away the evening of September 15, 2020, at UPMC Jameson Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born July 30, 1935, in New Castle. He was the son of the late Anthony P. and Helen (Yarnevich) Veltre. Bob was married for 64 years to the former Mary Ann Lupo. She survives at home.
Bob was Roman Catholic and a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Camillus site. He was a graduate of Bessemer High School, class of 1953. Bob was the owner and operator of Veltre Tire for 40 years. Upon his retirement, he opened The Outdoor Shop in Volant, Pennsylvania, and served the area for over 20 years.
During that time, Bob was the motivating force behind establishing a delayed harvest area (better known as catch and release) along the Neshannock Creek. The system ensures an adequate supply of fish and also promotes the area as a premier fishing location. He was recognized and inducted into the 2001 Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame for these significant contributions. He also received an award from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for his efforts.
He had a lifelong love of music and at one time was a drummer in an orchestra, playing in numerous Pittsburgh and Youngstown area nightclubs. He also was an all-star baseball player and was invited to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953. His love of the sport, led him to be a former president of the Neshannock Athletic Association, where he was instrumental in obtaining the materials and the manpower to build the first baseball fields at Pearson Park. He also coached and was happy to sponsor many, many teams over the years.
Bob enjoyed various outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, water skiing and snow skiing, and is a charter member of The Mahoning Sportsman Association. More recently, his hobbies were painting and woodworking.
His family meant the world to him, and in addition to his wife, Mary Ann, Bob is survived by three daughters, Michele E. (John) Latina, Roseann M. Gabriel (Randy Keslar), Laurie J. (George) Weingartner, all of New Castle; two sons, Robert A. (Delia) Veltre Jr. of Sewickley Pennsylvania, and David P. Veltre of New Castle; sister, Barbara A. (David) Gennaro of Boardman, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
A private blessing service will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at Noga Funeral Home, 1142 S. Mill St., New Castle. Deacon John Carran of Holy Spirit Parish will officiate.
Lord God, you are attentive to the voice of our pleading. Give Bob eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever. Let us find in your Son comfort in our sadness, certainty in our doubt, and courage to live through this hour. Make our faith strong through Christ our Lord. Amen.
