J. Robert New, 88, Johnstown, passed away November 26, 2019. Bob was born October 19, 1931, in Blairsville, son of the late John G. and Mary (Hazlett) New. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Jean Falk, and son Christopher, along with brothers William and James. Survived by his loving family: daughter Eileen Weimer of Beckville, TX; son Keith and wife Jana of Mechanicsburg, PA; daughter Elizabeth Kennedy and husband John of Orlando, FL; daughter Jennifer and partner Julie of Hoboken, NJ; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Bob was the owner and head pharmacist of Benscreek Pharmacy. After retiring, he worked as a relief pharmacist at a number of pharmacies on Native American reservations and in federal prisons as well as at various retail pharmacies locally and throughout the nation. A Korean War veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bob was a Navy flight instructor based in Pensacola, FL, where he changed the lives of many young, aspiring pilots, many of whom pursued life-long careers in aviation. After being honorably discharged as Lieutenant J.G., Bob’s passion for flying continued for many decades as an accomplished private pilot. He was a volunteer for Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital and a very active member of the Church of the Visitation, B.V.M., where he was a Eucharistic Minister and helped to deliver meals to homebound parishioners, and where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday by the Rev. John Slovikovski. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, Inc., 921 Menoher Blvd. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to CaringKind (www.caringkindnyc.com) or your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.
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