Robert W. Bob Kane, 73 of Shenandoah formerly of Gilberton passed away on Friday morning, January 17, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on September 28, 1946 at the former Ashland State General Hospital to the late James and Helen (Heaton) Kane.

Bob was a 1964 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School. He attended Shippensburg University and college in Boston for radio broadcasting.

He was a decorated veteran having honorably served his country in the Army while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas during the Vietnam era. He received the Expert Rifle Medal, the First Class Gunner Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Throughout his life, Bob was employed in newspaper advertising, which spanned a 39 year career. He first worked at the former Record American in Mahanoy City, then for the former Shenandoah Evening Herald and lastly for the Republican Herald where he worked in both the Shenandoah and Pottsville offices until his retirement. He also had a cooking show on WPAM and WMBT; he loved trying recipes as he was very knowledgeable in the art of cooking and was always ready to try something new. Bob was an avid sports fan and hosted sports programs on WMBT.

Even though Bob was a native of Gilberton, he truly loved SHennadoah. He joined Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. in 2004 and was a member of the Promotions Committee. He then became Vice-President of the organization. He was instrumental in starting the craft show that was held during the Coal Cracker 10K Run. Within the Promotions Committee, he planned Octoberfest. DSIs famous soup sale was another one of his ideas to help the organization; he not only made soup, but would also deliver it to shut-ins. He was a major part of Kielbasi Festival, the Kielbasi Pierogie Golf Tournament and Heritage Day. He especially enjoyed volunteering for the annual Coal Cracker Christmas where he was known for playing Bob Cratchit in the Dickens vignettes and also assisted with the horse drawn trolley. He was always eager to help with any project; nothing was ever too much for him.

In addition, Bob was president of the Jerry Wolman-Northern Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame which honored athletes at events and banquets from northern Schuylkill county. He was also a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, the AP Damato Medal of Honor Post 792, and the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society.

Bob was a well-known Nebraska Cornhuskers Husker fan. In addition to the Huskers, Bob rooted for the Philadelphia Flyers and Phillies and the LA Rams. In high school, he played on the baseball team. He also played ball for Babe Ruth the Orange Buds.

He was always ready with a joke and will be missed for his humor. He made people feel comfortable, no matter what the situation. Above all, his family and friends were of most importance to him; they were the joy of his life.

Surviving are his wife of three years, the former Anne Richards; one son, Wesley Jones and his wife Lauren of San Antonio, Texas; one daughter, Ronanne Mejia and her husband Tony of San Antonio, Texas; one grandson, Matthew Harrison of San Antonio, Texas; three brothers, Francis Kane and his wife Judy of Gilberton, William Kane of Gilberton and James Kane of Warminster; one niece, nephews, one great-niece and great-nephew and godson, Gavin Kane. He will also be missed by his pal and pet cat, Kitty Buddy .

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were his brother, Patrick Kane and his longtime companion and dear friend, Mary Ellen Wychulis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 11:00 am in Divine Mercy Church, 232 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor as the celebrant. Interment with military honors will follow at 1:00 pm at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. A viewing will be held on Thursday morning from 8:00 am until 10:30 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the DSI, 116 N. Main St., Shenandoah, PA 17976 or Jerry Wolman NAC PASHOF, P.O. Box 247, Shenandoah, PA 17976.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.