Robert E. Bilby

Robert E. ”Pap” Bilby, 79, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport surrounded by his loving family. Surviving is his loving wife of 43 years Selena D. “Teenie” (Shaffer) Bilby.

Born September 16, 1940 in Cammal, Pa,  he was a son of the late Tyson Bilby and Margaret (Dickerson) Miller (Donald).

Robert was a 1959 graduate of Jersey Shore High School. After graduating, he began working for Confair Bottling Company working on the assembly line. Over the years he eventually learned to do it all including mixing, shipping and receiving, and management before his retirement from Pepsi Co. after over 40 years.

Robert was known for being always on the go, whether he was bowling at all the local alleys, woodworking, going to high school football games, fishing, picking strawberries and blueberries, junking with his brother and grandson, or spending time with his family.

Robert was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Teenie.

A blind date at Morey’s Tavern in the early 1970’s set the stage for these two star-crossed lovers. In 1976 they tied the knot and with his two daughters and her two daughters they became the “Bilby Bunch”. He always made time for his girls, whether it was giving rides on the motorcycle or just making the chores around the house full of fun and laughter.

When the grandchildren came along, he became our “Pap” and would lovingly tease and torment each one with his witty sayings and bear hugs. He loved taking his grandkids for rides on the tractor around the yard and later teaching them how to drive it. He made sure he attended all the events of his grandchildren and made sure to take an active role in their childhood. He especially enjoyed going to baseball, basketball, football, and any other sporting event he could with his grandson, Andrew. In the last years of his life, Andrew was a huge part of his life and his loyal side kick.

Robert loved to dance and could cut a rug with the best of them. Teenie and Robert at one time were members of a square dance club. He made everyone look good on the dance floor.    

Woodworking was a necessity for him. He loved spending time making various items for anyone who needed something made special, regardless if they were family or not. His items can be found in homes across the county.

Robert was a passionate bowler and enjoyed his all his bowling buddies. He enjoyed making anyone and everyone laugh in any way that he could. He often would “harass” waitresses or even strangers on the street by making humorous comments just to get a smile out of them. He never failed to fill a room with laugher.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Cheryl A. Confer (Gary) of Norfolk, VA, Wanda K. Keller of Williamsport, Michael E. Brewster of Sebastian, FL, Debra M. Smeal of South Williamsport, Deanna M. Mitcheltree (David) of  Cogan Station, nine grandchildren, Regina Shawley (Dave), Robert Schaefer, Zackary Keller, Anthony Brewster, Cameron Brewster, Joshua Smeal, Amy Smeal (Ryan), Andrew Solomon, and Kelsey Stryker (Britt), six great-grandchildren, brothers, Andrew “Andy” Bilby (Connie) of South Williamsport and Woodrow “Woody” Bilby (Sally) of Muncy, and sister, Rosemary Clark (Henry) of Cogan Station.

In addition to his parents, Robert was also preceded in death by his sister, Mable Myers.

Out of all his hobbies and pleasures the nearest and dearest to his heart was his adoring family. 

A memorial service to honor the life of Robert will be held 6 p.m., Friday, September 27 at Knight-Confer Funeral Home, 1914 Memorial Ave, Williamsport. A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. until time of service on Friday at Knight-Confer Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to Special Olympics Pennsylvania, PO Box 1891, Williamsport, PA 17703.

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