Robert "Bob" P. Habel

Robert P. Habel, 89, of Meadville, passed away at home on Monday, February 10, 2025, with his family at his side.

Robert was born in Pittsburgh, on July 28, 1935, a son of the late Jacob and Apalonia (Zettelmayer) Habel.

On August 28, 1956 Bob married Doris Jane McCandless; they celebrated their 68th anniversary this year.

He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon, where he taught Bible Study, served on the Lutheran Church Council and various other committees. While living in Meadville, he was affiliated with Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Habel family moved to Fairview, in 1947. Bob graduated from Fairview High School in 1953, receiving recognition for multi sports participation for three consecutive years. In 2007 he was inducted into Fairview Sports Hall of Fame for multi sports athlete, for the class of 1953. He received a football scholarship to Thiel College in Greenville, and continued with his passion and great love of the sport. After three years, Bob suffered an injury which ended his football career. He graduated from Thiel College with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and received a teaching position at Hermitage School District for American History, Social Studies, and Driver Training Instruction. He served as a Football and Baseball coach for senior, junior, and freshman students. He also was a referee in Basketball on the local level. Bob continued his education and earned his Master's Degree Equivalency by pursuing graduate studies at Westminister College, Youngstown State College and Slippery Rock State College. 

During his 35 years at Hermitage School District, Bob was extremely dedicated to his career. He was a Junior and Senior Class Advisor and was recognized as Teacher of the Year. The students dedicated the 1961 yearbook to him writing, "Your outstanding character and fine sense of humor are necessary for a well rounded classroom. we thank you, Mr. Habel, for being a wonderful teacher, advisor and friend and for promoting an understanding of the world we live in." Bob developed and taught two new courses on "Death and Dying" and "To defeat communism is to defeat your enemy". Additionally he worked with and helped develop the Midget Football Program in Reynolds School District and supported Reynold's Little League Program. 

Upon retiring from his 35 year career at Hermitage School District, he was recognized with a retirement dinner by the school administration and fellow teachers for his long and dedicated service and his love for teaching and sports. The superintendent commented, "Here is a man who has lived his life and demonstrated dedication to teaching by doing everything right."

During his retirement years Bob and Doris spent time at their condominium in Stuart, Florida and cottage at Lake Erie. In 2001 they relocated to Meadville to be near their children. Bob served on the Board of Directors at Forest Hills Condominiums where they presently reside.

His other hobbies and interests included hunting, fishing and gun collecting. He was an avid sportsman who pursued deer, turkey, bear and rabbits. He spent countless hours and days fishing and boating on Lake Erie.

Bob lived his life by his strong Christian principles and tried to instill his life experiences and love of history to his children and grandchildren. He placed God, family and his country first in his life. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, Doris, Bob is survived by a son Robert Peter Habel, Jr. (companion Carol Edwards); a daughter Cynthia Kay Habel Schwab (Mark Stephen) both of Meadville; daughter in law Cathy Lynn Lucas Habel of Fredonia; four grandchildren Robert Rocky Habel (Nikki Gilson), Jacob Paul Habel (Ashley Johnson), Cara Jane Schwab Griffith (Dr. Matthew), Molly Kay Schwab Leech (Dylan); four great grandchildren Jackson Robert Habel, Cooper Lee Habel, Evangelina Rose Habel, Cosette Joelle Habel; beloved brothers in law James Thomas McCandless (Paula Ahrens), Paul Richard McCandless, Jr. (Deborah Vorel); sister in law Alice Kay McCandless Houston (William); many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother Jacob "Jack" Habel; sisters Ann Habel Uhl, Elizabeth Habel Seebacher, and Leona "Nootsie" Habel Machnick.

Family and friends are invited to call from 10 AM-12 PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where Funeral Services will follow at 12 PM with Pastor Benjamin Travis officiating.

Bob will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Bob's memory to Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St., Meadville, PA 16335 or Bob and Doris have requested that you pay it forward with an act of kindness.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Home Instead as well as Hospice of Crawford County, especially Brittany Shrock and Darlene Brown, for the care, compassion, love and support they extended not only to Bob, but also to all of his family.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com