
Robert L. Sheriff
January 19, 1947 – January 23, 2025
Robert “Bob” Sheriff was a kind, gentle, and loving man. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Florence (Orner) Sheriff, son Robert E. Sheriff (Robin), daughters Cassandra Gonzalez (Rich) and Cynthia Whisler, and brother Richard Sheriff (Diane). He also had 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Bob’s first job was as a barber in Harrisburg where he caught the eye of his future wife. He graduated from the Electronic Institute in Middletown and got a job for Monroe Systems for Business. He worked there for 25 years before becoming a mechanic for the Harrisburg Post Office from which he retired.
Besides family, Bob’s biggest love was trains. He chased them, photographed them, and built models of them. The largest and most complicated of these was a living, breathing 1” scale model of a Pennsylvania I1 locomotive that took him 20 years to build.
Bob was a long-time member of the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society in Mechanicsburg. At Christmas time he could be found at Fort Hunter helping to run the model train display.
Another hobby of his was working on his 1967 Pontiac. With some help from friends, he got it road-worthy, and he painted it himself.
Bob was a devout Christian. He was involved in many ways, including being a special minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Enola.
In the end dementia, a heart attack, and kidney stones got the best of him. We like to think that God sent a train down from heaven and said, “All aboard!”.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 10AM-11AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 225 Salt Rd., Enola, PA 17025.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11AM at the church.
Burial will be private.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sheriff family.
5 comments on “Robert L. Sheriff”
Enjoyed talking with Bob both at OLOL. and at Fort Hunter at the Christmas model rail road display. He was always smiling and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of trains with all.
Uncle Bob was always so much fun to be around. He was definitely an example of how to love family. I will miss him. Sending condolences & love to Flo, Sandy, Cindy, & Bobby.
Bob was a friend to many in the hobby of model railroading. He thoroughly enjoyed the hobby and was an excellent modeler, always ready to share his ideas, efforts, and expertise with any who needed it The Keystone Club may exist today in part due to his efforts. He will be missed.
Dear Flo and family, Over the last twenty-eight years, I worked with Bob as a Club officer for the Railroad Club. He was always thorough, caring and kind to all members and a ready resource on how things developed over time. I am so very saddened to learn of his passing and we have dedicated a station at the Club in his honor and memory.
Bob was a sweet man who obviously loved his family. I’m glad to have met Bob, Flo, and their son. It was great to see everyone visiting and supporting him. We will miss our friend, Bob.