Robert L. Huffman

Robert Lee Huffman, 75, of Palmyra, PA died Monday, August 12, 2019 at the Hershey Medical Center.  After a lengthy illness of almost four years, he was only 11 days short of celebrating his 76th birthday.

 

Born August 23, 1943 in Lebanon, he was a son of the late Melvin Isaac and Mary Ann (Garrett) Huffman and also preceded in death by siblings James A. Huffman, Dana L. Huffman and Carol A. (Huffman) Ebersole.

 

Robert attended the one room school buildings of Naftzingers and Gravel Hill and was a 1961 graduate of Palmyra Area High School.  A graduate of Hershey Junior College in 1963, he received his B.S. in history from Lebanon Valley College in 1965.  Robert taught school in Northern Lebanon School District for 19 years and also taught Sunday School for a brief time at Gravel Hill United Methodist Church.  He helped his father build up the North Londonderry Township Police Department, served ten years as a patrolman and assistant Chief of Police and was elected and served as Township Supervisor.  He was a former employee of Dechert Dynamics which owned Longenecker’s Fruit Farm in the 1960’s.  Along with his brother, they ran a community-oriented garbage disposal business until it was sold and then worked at Hess Gas Station as a service attendant.  He was a custodian for 20 years at the Palmyra High School and served a few terms as President and representative of the Palmyra School District custodial/maintenance department for the Chocolate Workers Union Local 464 until his retirement in 2016.  Robert was also appointed and elected into the Constable position for North Londonderry Township consecutively for 36 years until the onset of his untimely illness.  

 

Robert will be remembered for his calm demeanor, quick-witted anecdotes and quips, and for his love of history which helped preserve local heritage and his family legacy. He loved watching major league baseball games, especially the New York Yankees and had a focused determination to “Do The Right Thing.”

 

Surviving are his siblings Betty J. Huffman, Aleta F. (Huffman) Simpson and Dale G. Huffman all of North Londonderry Township and several nieces and nephews.

 

A funeral service will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Buse Funeral Home, 145 North Grant Street, Palmyra preceded by a viewing beginning at 2:00 PM.  Interment will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lebanon Rescue Mission, 1223 Bittner Boulevard, Lebanon, PA 17046.