Robert "Bob" Clyde Brandt

Robert C. “Bob” Brandt, age 97, well known banker and builder, formerly of Laporte, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2020.

          Bob was born September 8, 1922, in Braddock, Allegheny County, PA, a son of the late Mentor Clyde and Margaret Barclay Brandt.  He graduated from the Swissvale High School a member of the class of 1940. 

          He attended Penn State University from 1940-1943.

          He was married to the former Elise B. “June” Baily on June 5, 1944, and she predeceased him on August 22, 1998, after 54 years of marriage.

          He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, as a bombardier, and was shot down over Linz, Austria, on April 25, 1945, and was held as a prisoner of war.    He was discharged in November of 1945 as a First Lieutenant, after completing 27 combat missions, in the Northern Appennines, Rhineland, Central Europe, PO Valley, and Air Combat Balkans. He was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.

He worked as an auditor for the US Treasury Dept., in Washington, DC, from 1947 to 1951.

          Bob was called from inactive duty to serve in the Korean War from June of 1951 to November of 1952 and was discharged with the rank of Captain.

          He began his banking career in Philadelphia, in 1956, and worked in Williamsport, and at the First Bank of Troy, retiring to Laporte in the early 1970’s.

          He then embarked on a career as a contractor, building many homes in the Laporte area. 

          Bob was active in Rotary, Lions Club, and three separate Chambers of Commerce.  He was a 10 gallon blood donor and an Eagle Scout.

          He attended St. John’s Community Church where he served as treasurer, and he also attended the Laporte United Methodist Church.

Surviving: are three children:  Barbara B. “Bobby” Maris, and husband Stroud, of Muncy, PA; David C. Brandt & wife Rosemary, of Wayne, PA; and Laurie B. Siegfried, of Laporte, PA. Seven grandchildren:  Michele M. Hicklin, and husband, James, Muncy, PA; Jay S. Maris, and wife, Jennifer, of Muncy; Sethany M. Derrick, fiancé, Craig Wilson, Hughesville, PA; Andrew C. Brandt, and wife, Jennifer, of Pottstown, PA; Ian D. Brandt of Portland, OR; Christianna B. Siegfried, of Philadelphia, PA; and Gavin B. Siegfried, of Laporte, PA; a step-granddaughter, Bobbi-Jo Powell, of Haverford, PA;

Fourteen great grandchildren: Thomas and Catherine Hicklin; Nickolas and Ashlyn Maris; Cameron and Brandon Derrick; Alex, Gavin, and Ava Brandt; Sage, Calista, Cylus, and Raina Brandt; and Alexia Siegfried. 

He is also survived by a niece, Jackie Lapkowicz and a nephew, Paul Brandt.

          He was predeceased by a brother: Richard B. Brandt; niece, Sondra Brandt; nephew Richard Brandt Jr.; and son-in-law: Charles R. Siegfried, on October 16, 2007.  He was also predeceased by a special friend and longtime companion, Jean Fishburn, of Collegeville, PA on August 9, 2019.

          Private Graveside Service will be held at the Mountain Ash Cemetery, Laporte, PA, with the Rev. Robert W. Brown, officiating. 

          Graveside Military Honors will be accorded by members of the US Air Force Honor’s Detail.

          Memorial Contributions in Bob’s name can be made to St. John’s Community Church, Laporte, PA, c/o Peter Lindabury, 3435 Ransom Road, Jamesville, NY 13078 or to the Mountain Ash Cemetery Association, PO Box 85, Laporte, PA 18626.

        Arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA

                  To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com