Robert J. Fluharty, Sr.

Passed Away on July 29, 2016

Robert J. “Bob” Fluharty, Sr., of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2016 after a short illness and with family members by his side. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio on November 22, 1931, a son of the late Glenna (Snider) and William Fluharty. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the National Guard and served with the 191st Combat Engineers Infantry.  While in the National Guard, Robert helped construct roadways across the U.S. for the Army.  After serving for two years, he was honorably discharged in 1950. Robert lived in Mesa since 1972, coming here with his family from Rayland, Ohio.  At an early age, Robert began driving trucks to deliver milk to the city of Cambridge, Ohio and also hauled coal for the Strauss Coal Company.  He loved his driving career and drove for many different companies; sometimes delivering goods across the country with his son, Robert Jr.  After retiring, Bob did odd jobs around Mesa helping others do yard work and minor repair jobs.  He enjoyed spending time with his faithful and beloved dogs, Willie, Decky and Dixie.

Surviving are his children, Robert Fluharty, Jr. of Glendale, Arizona, Brenda Austin, Dan Fluharty and Shelly Simcox, all of Mesa, Arizona; former wife, Shirley Fluharty, also of Mesa, Arizona; his brother, Patrick Fluharty of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Virginia Zambella of Wilmington, North Carolina, Billie Jo Cheney and Erma Bowser of Washington, Pennsylvania, Loretta Fluharty of Niles, Ohio and Donna Fluharty of Bulgar, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren, Nicole and Wesley Crabtree and Michael and Christine Fluharty and a great grandson, Dominick Fluharty. Robert was preceded in death by his two brothers, William Fluharty, Jr., Phillip Fluharty and a grandson, Robert Fluharty. Robert will be greatly missed and was loved by his dear family and friends. Private family services have been held.