Robert Eugene Holsinger, age 91 of Toronto, OH passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. Bob was born March 21, 1927 in Toronto, OH the son of the late Iva (Beaver) Holsinger Turner and step-father Dallas Turner. Bob was a retired carpenter of Carpenter’s Local #186 where he served as business agent for several years and had taught carpentry at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.
He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran serving his country during WW II. In addition to his parents , Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Alice M. (Thompson) Holsinger in 1996 whom he married August 14, 1947 and his son, Robert A. (Bobby) Holsinger in 1996. Bob is survived by his daughters, Sandy Holsinger, Carolyn “Sis” (Maynard) Goad and Kathy (Wayne) Holsinger all of Toronto, OH; daughter-in-law, Sandy K. (Parker) Holsinger of Weirton, WV.
He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Mark Goad and Amber (Duane) Peckens along with Bob’s beautiful great-grandchildren, Eva and Memphis Goad, Chloe and Gunnar Peckens and Ch’mar Deffenbaugh. He is also survived by his companion of the last 20 years, Betty Hilderbrand, Her daughters, Robin Tom) Haun, Linda (Nick) Tate and three grandchildren, Angela, Alyssa and Anthony. Also surviving is a sister, Dorothy (Lee) Fluharty,; brother, Arthur “Art” (Mathia) Holsinger; nieces, Leona and Stephanie; nephew, Eric and a very special sister-in-law, Annie Thompson along with many more nieces and nephews.
Along with Bob’s deep and devoted love for his family and many friends was his love for Masonry. Bob belonged to the following: Toronto Masonic Lodge #583 F & AM where he had served as Master and served as District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He was recognized in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania for conducting Masonic funeral services, installation of Masonic officers and Masonic educational programs.
. Bob received four honorary memberships of other lodges and a plural membership of the East Liverpool Masonic Lodge #681. He received an endowed membership from the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 2010 compliments of Betty Hilderbrand, a very special and dear friend.
Bob’s York Rite Masonry included: 50 year member of Toronto Chapter #221 Royal Arch Masons; 50 year member of Union Chapter #2 Royal Select Masters of Steubenville, OH serving as Most Excellent Master; 50 year member of Steubenville Commandry #11 having served as Eminent Commander; recipient of the Knight York Cross of Honor and a member of the Priory #18. Bob was a member of the Valley of Steubenville Scottish Rite having been the recipient of the Valley Service Award , Meritorious Service Award and Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33 degree Mason which is the highest Masonic honor to be bestowed on a Scottish Rite Mason. Bob was also a member of Ohio Priory No.
18 KYCH. Other memberships and affiliations include: Jenkins Masonic Lodge #471, Smithfield Masonic Lodge #182, Wellsville Masonic Lodge #180, Steubenville Pilgrim Masonic Lodge #691, Toronto Royal Arch Masons Chapter #221, Ft. Steuben York Rite College #194, 24th Masonic District Deputy Association, Ohio River Council #63 Knights Masons, HolyRoad Conclave,; Eastern Ohio River Council; Steubenville Rod Association; Red Cross of Constatine and Toronto Chapter #215 Order of Eastern Star.
Bob was awarded the Purple Cross Service Award. One of only two Masons in the state of Ohio and was also awarded the Davis award. He also belonged to the National Wood Carver’s Association and the Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association.
Visitation hours for Bob will be held 6-8 Sunday, February 17th and 2-4 & 6-8 Monday, February 18th at the Clarke Funeral Home, 302 Main Street, Toronto, OH. Additional visitation from noon to 1 P.M. Tuesday at the Bell Chapel United Methodist Church, State Route 213, Steubenville (Pleasant Hill), OH. Order of Eastern Star services will be held 7:15 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Masonic Services will be held 7:30 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. A celebration service of Bob’s life will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 19th at Bell Chapel United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jeff Proya officiating. Interment will follow at the Toronto Union Cemetery with full military honors by the Toronto American Legion.
Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Toronto Masonic Lodge # 583 or the Shriner’s Hospital.
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