Robert "Rob""Bob" John McMillen, Sr.

Robert ("Rob" / "Bob") John McMillen Sr., Age 81, a longtime resident of Sewickley, most recently of Crafton, passed away on Monday, February 17th. Robert born on August 28th, 1943, in Sewickley, PA, was a dedicated son to the late Frederick John McMillen and Christine Rote.  

Beloved husband of 60 years to Janet (Papantonio) McMillen, Robert was a loving father of Beth Ann McMillen, and Dina Leigh McMillen both of Melbourne, FL, and Erin Rote McMillen and Robert John (John Knott Jr.) McMillen, Jr. of Crafton, PA. Devoted Grandfather of Hunter Ray Hadley. Cherished Uncle of Dr. Anne (Yiannis Bakos) Chapas and Allison (Robert Joseph) Chapas. Great-Uncle of Melina, Andreas, and Violet. And treasured family friend Donald Mangel.

Robert was a caring father who was always there when his kids and grandson were sick or needed help. He loved his wife very much and enjoyed spending time with her and caring about her, making sure she was always getting rest.

He was also always quick with a joke and was ready to make everyone laugh. He loved to dance with his wife and to take the kids to Kennywood and other amusement parks. He loved music and movies, especially sci-fi and adventure movies, and playing card and board games with the family.  Robert was always happiest when spending time with his wife and kids.

Robert was also a proud U. S. Army veteran. The following tribute was from G. J. Cosgrove, Lt. Colonel, Special Forces (Retired), 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

“When you are 18 years old, you can make decisions that impact the rest of your life.

SGT.  Robert McMillen made one of those decisions: He raised his right hand and swore to “uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.”  As a soldier, he did not choose where and how he would serve, he just served.

Robert was a track and vehicle mechanic in the 5th Battalion, 38th Artillery Regiment - “The Steel Behind the Rock” - and deployed to the Republic of Korea in 1966 through 1967.

This period, known as the “second Korean war” included multiple clashes between the US Army and North Korean units as the Soviet Union made a deliberate attempt to expand the war in Vietnam. 

SGT  McMillen, along with his brothers in arms, displayed outstanding readiness and discipline during this critical period of the Cold War.  Robert was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal for his service in this theater.

By his actions as a young man, Robert displayed the ethos of an American Soldier encapsulated in the words “I will always place mission first”.”

Friends will be received at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, Irvine Chapel, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley on Sunday, February 23rd from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 AM at the Sewickley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following organizations:

The American Kidney Fund (https://www.kidneyfund.org/)

The American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/)

The Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (https://humaneanimalrescue.org/donate/)