Bobby "Robert" McElwee

Robert H. McElwee (Bob) passed away in Winter Haven, Florida on March 30, 2025. Born in Ligonier, PA on May 17, 1927, he was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.

He is survived by his second love, Marion (Natcher) McElwee; Son: Lee (Denise) McElwee. Daughter: Karen Steen, Step-Daughter: Charlene Natcher (Joyce McCadney).  Grandchildren: Jeffrey McElwee, Angela Salley (Salata), Nichole Steen, Jeanette Adamy (Steen). He had several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had one Sister: Alice “Sis” of Orlando, Florida.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle McElwee (Ankney) married on May 29, 1948 in Winchester, VA. Isabelle passed in June 2006. Daughter: Charolette Salata (McElwee) who passed on July 23, 1987, and several Brothers (Darrel, George, Elmer and Ronnie).

From 1945 to 1947, Bob enlisted in the US Navy, serving in Okinawa during WW II as a gunner’s mate on a destroyer. He was part of the atomic bomb testing at Bikini Atoll in 1946, and was on the USS Bountiful Hospital Ship leaving the island. As a civilian, he worked a variety of jobs, a photographer in his early years, but most of his life he worked as meat cutter and manager for A&P foods. 

He was a life long Christian, regularly and faithfully attended services and was involved in church.  He volunteered at Conemaugh Hospital for many years and the Red Cross. Bob was a faithful donor and began donating his O- when he served in the military, donating blood his entire life until his late 80’s. 

During the last decade of his life, he was actively involved in his residential and local community in Winter Haven. He served as president of the HOA for a few years, regularly assisted with or participated in community events, connected with other veterans, played sports and cards, and regularly enjoyed live stage performances with his wife Marion at a near by local theater. Bob was family oriented, served others, and enjoyed being involved in and part of a community. 

At Bob’s own request, there will be no funeral service.  He will be laid to rest at Bushnell National Cemetery in Florida. Bob requested that people donate blood. We suggest in lieu of flowers for people to donate blood in his honor, if you are able.