Robert Miller Gordon, Jr.

Robert Miller Gordon Jr. died peacefully at his home surrounded by his children and his faithful dog, Jesse, on the evening of November 11, 2021 - Veteran’s Day, an appropriate day for this American patriot and Korean War veteran. Born on May 28, 1930, to Robert M. Gordon and Mary Pascoe Gordon, Bob was a true Pittsburgh boy. He grew up in Rosslyn Farms with his younger brother, best friend, and lifelong business partner, Tucker. Bob was an athlete, a scholar, a loving husband, and a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Duke University.  He was a champion wrestler throughout high school and college. He also excelled on the track where his record in the 440 hurdles stood for nearly fifty years. Bob was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and among the first Eagle Scouts in Western Pennsylvania. He married Shirley Dewis of Interlaken New Jersey, his loving wife of 64 years in 1950 and had Kathy, the first of their six children. The Korean conflict interrupted college and marriage when Bob shipped out as an ROTC first lieutenant. He returned home with Captain’s bars and was then promoted to the rank of Major to complete his reserve duty and finish college at Washington and Jefferson University. Bob took over Gordon Lubricating Company in 1962 when his father died and with the help of Tucker turned Gordon Terminal Service Company into a thriving and successful business.  But his passions were many, and his determined work ethic did not prevent him from enjoying life to the fullest. Bob had an adventurous spirit.  He was a terrific golfer, but he liked to say that he golfed because the snow melted and he couldn’t ski. He built a home in Vermont because he loved to ski.  He also enjoyed tennis, bicycling, canoeing, and hang-gliding. A natural performer, Bob loved the stage as well as the field. Other passions were his Scottish heritage and his Pittsburgh sports teams.  He traveled and danced with Shirley and skied and golfed with his kids. He adored his fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and he made every special occasion memorable. Bob lived his life with integrity and a charitable heart.  He touched many lives with his joyful generosity and exuberant style.  He was a Boy Scout Leader, an Elder in his church, a mentor, and a teacher.  Bob was an insatiable learner who read Shakespeare, Milton, and Burns to his cross-eyed kids at the dinner table. Bob is survived by his children, Kathy Hilliard, John Gordon (Andree), Cricket Pylman (Rick), Petie Cooklin, and Bobby Gordon (Shadley).  Bob’s grandchildren are Colin Hilliard, Genevieve Sullivan (Mark), Emmy Gordon, Travis Gordon (Martina), Cameron Gordon, Teddy Gordon, Casey Pylman, Danny Pylman, Veronica Cooklin, Sofia Cooklin, Clara Cooklin, Alex Gordon, Elsa Gordon, and Mary Grace Gordon.  Great-grandchildren are Cayden Hilliard, Bodhi and Flora Sullivan, Danny and Mia Gordon, and Sawyer Gordon. Bob was predeceased by his wife Shirley and his son Tommy. A memorial Service will be held on Friday November 19, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 414 Grant Street, Sewickley, PA 15143.  Interment will be private. Remembrances may be made to Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, The Carnegie Free Library of Carnegie PA, and The Boy Scouts of America.   Arrangements entrusted to R. D. Copeland – Irvine Chapel, Sewickley.

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