Robert Harold Giffin, 79, of Curwensville, passed away April 15 at the Clearfield Hospital, Clearfield, PA.

Born June 28, 1929 in Alexandria, Huntingdon County, PA, he was the son of Chester R. and Marjorie Sara (Itinger) Giffin. Mr. Giffin was a 1947 Graduate of Alexandria High School and attended Juniata College from 1948 to 1950. He served with the Huntingdon PA National Guard Unit, 131st Transportation Truck Co. during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1952. He returned from Korea and attended Penn State University graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ceramic Engineering.

He received his Pennsylvania Professional Engineering License in 1966. He was employed by North American Refractories of Curwensville for 34 years in the Plant Design and Engineering Department, having retired as the Engineering Manager in 1989.

After retiring from North American, he was in private engineering practice for 13 years retiring from that in 2002 after having participated in over 600 projects around the country.

He was an active member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Curwensville having served many years on the church council and holding every one of the offices on the council. He was a life member of the National and Pennsylvania Professional Engineering Societies, was a member of both the Curwensville Post #505 and Alexandria American Legion Post, a member of the Curwensville VFW Post 842, and the Curwensville Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #268. He was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association, a member of the PSU Nittany Lion Club, and was an ardent Penn State Football Fan, having seen every home football game for 50 years, from 1952 thru 2001 inclusive.

On Aug. 11, 1950 in Alexandria, PA, he wed the former Joanne M. Mickey who survives along with three children. Thomas M. Giffin and wife Cindy of Manlius, NY, Roger L. Giffin of Carlisle and his significant other Joan Lineweaver of Marion Heights, and Paula Giffin and her husband William Davies of Treasure Lake, PA. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Joel Giffin and fiancée Jade Zeff of Brooklyn, NY, Aaron Giffin of San Diego, CA, Leah Giffin of Pottstown, PA, and Nathan Davies of Treasure Lake, PA.

In addition he is survived by a sister Sara M. Carper and husband Gilbert of Spruce Creek, and a sister-in-law Linda Scialabba and husband Richard of Huntingdon as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Neal and Donald Giffin and sister Betty Lightner.

Services for Mr. Giffin will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church of Curwensville on April 18 at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Richard L. Steuernagle and Reverend H. Lee Hebel co-officiating. Interment will be in the Alexandria Presbyterian Cemetery Alexandria, PA.

Friends will be received at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. 300 State St. Curwensville, PA on Friday evening April 17 from 7 to 9 p.m., and at the church on Saturday from Noon until time of services. Military Honors will be accorded at the Church by members of the Clearfield American Legion and VFW Joint Honor Guard.

The family suggests contributions be made to either the Grace Lutheran Church 406 Pine St. Curwensville, PA 16833, the Rescue Hose & Ladder Co. Ambulance Service 408-410 Filbert St. Curwensville, PA 16833, or the Clearfield Foundation for Health/Home Health P.O. Box 992 Clearfield, PA 16830.

The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.