Robert M. Kranak Sr.

While growing up, Bob (or “Hook” as he was known to many) was a hard worker providing for his family as a car mechanic and vehicle technician. His love of cars began at a very early age, and by age 14, he was fixing the vehicles of friends and neighbors, before he even had a car of his own. His knowledge of engines and mechanics ran full spectrum. He was always ready and willing to help a neighbor, relative, or friend with a problem. He could repair them on the driveway or diagnose by phone what was wrong even if he couldn’t actually see the vehicle. It was his natural calling. During his last few weeks, he was still helping to diagnose problems, even when he could no longer actually repair them. One of his nurses was talking to him about her car problems and he was able to diagnose the issue, tell her where to look under her hood, and tell her how to repair it – and she did – all by herself!

In his younger days, he was known as an amazing water skier on the rivers of Pittsburgh, and loved Pittsburgh sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers. He loved bowling and roller skating, especially with his daughter, Jamie. He also loved to race (or be part of the pit crew) with his childhood friend as well as future brother-in-law, Marty Marshall. They had many stories of their racing days in Pittsburgh back in the day. He also enjoyed restoring old cars. His 1929 Model A was his pride and joy, as he had restored it to be as beautiful as the day it came out of the showroom.

He never missed a Steeler game – Sundays were meant for watching, and Mondays for talking about it.

Bob moved permanently to Warren, PA in the mid 1980’s to get out of the city and enjoy the mountains that surrounded him. He loved to hunt and snowmobile and enjoyed the quiet of the woods and a smaller town.

Though he wasn’t much of a cook in the kitchen, he was always happy to be the tester for any new recipe, sweet ones were his favorite. When finishing up a dessert or a great snack, he would always say “that was pretty awful – I think you better make another one so I can try it again.” He was a lifelong ice cream eater, any amount, any flavor, especially banana splits.

Employment throughout his life included Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Warren Tire Center and Whirley Industries in Warren, and after retiring, the Hampton Inn of Warren. He bowled with the Daybreakers Bowling League in Youngsville, and he and his late wife Latrell loved car shows and were part of the Corvette Club of Jamestown.

Though he had a gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody and would always show up with a handful of tools, more than enough to fix the problem.

Bob is survived by his younger sister, Patricia Marshall of Bridgeville, PA, daughter, Jamie (Andrew) Kranak Brandon of Williamsport, PA, sons Raymond (Sue) Kranak of Pittsburgh, PA and Robert (Rose) Kranak Jr. of Youngsville, PA. In addition, he is survived by three granddaughters, a grandson, and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Kranak, his uncle, John Rosipal, his aunt, Margie Rosipal, his late wife, Latrell N. Kranak, and his best friend growing up and brother-in-law, Martin Marshall.

He will be buried at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA with his family.

Friends and family are invited to join us in Memorial Parlors at First Presbyterian Church of Warren (300 Market Street) from 2-4pm on Saturday, Nov. 15th for a reception of sweet treats in honor of Bob.

Donations can be made to Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA or a charity of choice.

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