ROBERT STEPHEN DIRDA, age 87, passed away on May 21, 2023. He was born on January 5, 1936, the son of the late John and Ann (nee Bilconish) Dirda. Dear husband to Patricia (nee Skovran) for nearly 62 years and loving father to MaryBeth Houlahan (Jeff), Robert (Michelle) and Kathy Gulla (Matt). Proud Paps to Patrick, Colleen, Anna, Bobby, Katie, and Julia. Dear brother of John, Paul (Rose), Thomas (Mary); caring brother-in-law to Michael Skovran (the late Phyllis) and Rose Marie Rupnik (Paul); and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three sisters Betty, Anna Mae and Charlotte; infant brother Michael and sister-in-law Mary. Bob was a 1953 graduate of Redstone High School in Republic, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter he moved to Ohio, where he began a 48-year career at the Ford Motor Co. in Walton Hills, Ohio. He spent two of those years (1959-1961) serving our country in the United States Army. Even though he lived in Ohio for 68 years, he remained a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan. Bob loved to tinker around in his garage and garden. He shared his love of gathering, cleaning, and cracking black walnuts with his children and grandchildren. Very dedicated to his faith, Bob spent many years working and volunteering his time, talent, and treasure at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch in Burton, Ohio. Whether at Cape May, New Jersey with his wife or Hilton Head, South Carolina with his family, Bob was happiest when he was with the ones he loved. Family and friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA RD. (OH RTE 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023 FROM 4:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M. WHERE A PARASTAS SERVICE WILL BE RECITED AT 7:00 P.M. FRIDAY. Visitation will take place again Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the vestibule of the Church, where a Panachida Service will be recited at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church, 8111 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Mount St. Macrina Cemetery, 500 West Main Street, Uniontown, Pennsylvania 15401. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the Alzhiemer’s Association of Cleveland, 23215 Commerce Park Road STE 300, Beachwood, Ohio, 44122. www.ferfoliafuneralhomes.com.
Obituary: ROBERT STEPHEN DIRDA
