Robert L. Bickel, Sr.

Robert L. Bickel, Sr., 90, of Williamsport passed away, Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Hillside Assisted Living surrounded by family. He was greeted at heavens gates by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joan L. (Reaser) Bickel.

Born May 12, 1935 in Williamsport he was a son of the late Charles R. and Dorothy (Menne) Bickel.

Bob graduated from Williamsport High School in 1953 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. With the exception of the years spent in the Air Force, a couple years living in the Garden View area and the last 7 months, he lived his entire life on Bloomingrove Road forming life-long bonds and friendships. It’s where he first met Joan during childhood, where they got married, raised their family and built their retirement home. Upon returning home from the Air Force, Bob worked at Hurr’s Dairy making ice cream and while there he suggested they start making a new flavor, Teaberry, a flavor unknown outside of PA. In June 1959 he started working in the funeral business, a career that spanned an amazing 62 years beginning at Page Funeral Home and ending at Sanders Mortuary at the age of 86. During his funeral career, he worked in the Lycoming County Coroner’s office and as a deputy registrar alongside his wife and Miriam Johns.

Bob was a gifted woodsmith who found immense joy and peace in his craft. His workshop was his sanctuary, where raw lumber was transformed into works of art through his skilled hands and patient attention to detail. From finely crafted furniture and sturdy picnic tables to the flag cases he lovingly built to honor veterans. Each Christmas, his family looked forward to his handcrafted gifts from ornaments, rocking horses, gun cabinets, stools, and grandfather clocks. Bob’s handiwork was a reflection of his remarkable skill, dedication, and heart. Bob was a man of many interests and creative talents beyond his woodworking. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, painting, and sculpting, always finding new ways to express his imagination. He loved Penn State Football and often tailgated with his friends and family. Bob also loved to travel, cherishing memorable trips out West and a special journey to Alaska with his beloved wife, Joan. Above all, Bob’s greatest joy came from his family. He was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren and could often be found sharing stories and bragging about them with a warm smile and twinkle in his eye.

He was a member of First Church, and a former member of Hyner Mountain Snowmobile Club, the Miata Club, and a long time member of the former Eagle United Methodist Church.

Surviving are three children, Robert L. Bickel, Jr. (Connie) of Williamsport, Cynthia R. Caulkins (Jeff) of LaBelle, FL, and Tina Anderson (Craig) of Williamsport; eight grandchildren, Robert III (Kacy), Alyssa (Gabe), Joshua (Jodi), Donald, Janelle (Andy), Heidi, Sara, and Krista (Tyler); eight great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Nina Fisher of Catawissa and Wayne Menne of Mount Dora, FL.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his infant twin grandsons, Seth and Alex Anderson.

A funeral service to honor Bob’s life will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 21 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond Street, Williamsport. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at Sanders. Private burial in Wildwood Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be made on Bob’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.