Robert A. Mercante, Sr., 86, of Marianna died peacefully Saturday February 29, 2020 surrounded by family.

He was born May 25, 1933 in Marianna, a son of the late Ralph and Carmella Mercante, Sr. and attended West Bethlehem Schools.

After high school, Bob went on to work as a coal miner for many years. For 36 years, he served as a Supervisor and later Chairman for West Bethlehem Township and was very involved in the community.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a proud Army Veteran.

On May 31, 1956, he married the former Mona Sowers, who survives. The two shared in over 63 years of marriage.

In addition to his work in the township, Bob was also a member of many organizations in the community, including Canonsburg VFW Post 191, American Legion Steele-Lillie Post 744, the United Mine Workers of America and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a farmer nearly his entire life; work was his passion.  Each year he built a garden large enough to feed Marianna and that contributed to his happiness.  Bob was the guy that "everyone could count on" when they needed help whether for personal or community support.

He is survived by two sons; Robert Mercante, Jr. of Lone Pine and Rick (Amy) Mercante of Harmony, PA as well as sister; Betty Girdish and brother; Tony Mercante, both of Marianna.

In addition, he is survived by two granddaughters; Lisa (Ryan) Post and Alina Mercante, a great grandson Anthony Post, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister; Mary Cecci and a brother; Ralph Mercante, Jr.

Friends will be received from 1:00 – 3:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday March 4, 2020 in the Nichol Funeral Home 1728 Main Street Marianna, PA. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 am Thursday March 5 in the funeral home, where a service will be conducted at 11:00am with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Steele-Lillie Post 744, Marianna.

Interment will follow in Horn Cemetery, West Bethlehem Township.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 or OSPTA Hospice, 997 N. Main Street Washington, PA 15301.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com