Robert W. Danner

Robert William Danner, age 90, of Valencia, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, April 27, 2024 at Concordia of Cranberry Assisted Living facility.

Born January 1, 1934 in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood, Bob was the son of John C. Danner, Sr. and Dorothy Berry Danner.  After moving to Gibsonia, Bob attended elementary school in the Richland School District and graduated from Mars High School in 1952, where he played on the boys’ basketball team, participated in a community basketball league at the Richland Youth Foundation, and played softball for St. Barnabas. In 1954 Bob married the love of his life, the former Betty L. Park, and they settled in Valencia where they raised 4 children in a house that Bob built with the help of his father and brothers.  

Bob was a long-time member of Valencia Presbyterian Church, where he served on the session, was a trustee, an elder, and a member of the choir. For many years, he and Betty were custodians of the church and maintained the West Union Cemetery. Bob was a lifetime member of the John E. Mair Lodge in Mars, belonged to the Syria Shrine, sang with the Men from Mars Barbershop group, and regularly attended Mars United Presbyterian Church.

An avid sports fan, Bob enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, bowling, playing his Gibson guitar, and completing various landscaping and remodeling projects around his home.  A devoted Christian, Bob often used his skills in carpentry and the building industry to replace windows, repair doors, or complete odd jobs for members of his church or the local community.  He especially loved being the family handyman where he demonstrated the importance of using the right tools and ensuring that completed work was level, square, and built to last. He was a good friend, a good neighbor, and a loving father who tirelessly supported the endeavors of his children and grandchildren throughout his life.

Bob is survived by his three children:  David (Deborah) of Saxonburg, Craig (Sunshine) of Valencia, and Valerie of Valencia; three grandchildren – Nichole (Shaun) Babka of Valencia, Matthew (Darah) Danner of Evans City, and Ethan (Olivia) Danner of Butler; and six great-grandchildren – Ella Babka; Maiva, Myla and Maklin Danner; and Everly and Beckett Danner. He is also survived by siblings Dorothy “Sissy” (Vince) Hertweck of Renfrew, Audrey (Lyle) Craft of Gibsonia, Carol (Jim) Baney of Harmony, Lois (George) White of Butler, Jeanne (Ray) Russ of Emlenton, Jim (Bev) Danner of Gibsonia, Joanne (Matt) Kravetz of Allison Park, and Karen (Nick) Kujbus of Butler. He is survived by many nieces and nephews as well.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty of 67 yrs., his son Jeffrey, his parents, three brothers (Paul Danner, John C. Danner, Jr. and Richard Danner), and a sister Marjory deSpain.

Despite the adversities he encountered in his life, Bob had a quick smile, generous spirit, and wonderful sense of humor. As his health declined, Bob carried himself with dignity, strength, and love. He was a wonderful example and he will be dearly missed.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Service at the Mars United Presbyterian Church, 232 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Brian Houser, pastor, officiating. The family will greet friends at a luncheon following the service. Burial will be in West Union Cemetery, Pine Twp. Memorials may be made to the Mars United Presbyterian Church or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 116 Browns Hill Rd. Valencia, PA 16059. Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.