Obituary of Robert Besecker

Robert A. Besecker, 77, passed away on December 9 at his Scotrun home after battling a recent illness. He was the husband of Jill F. Besecker. Born on April 25, 1928, in East Stroudsburg, he was the son of the late Arthur Besecker and Violet (Smith) Besecker. After graduating from Stroudsburg High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on the U.S.S. Sicily C.O.E. 118. He is also a graduate of the Churchman Business School in Easton, Pa. Robert was elected Monroe County Auditor from 1967 to 1991. He served as committeeman for the Democratic Party for many years, as well as campaign manager for Monroe County Treasurer Claudette Segear. He was a member of the American Legion Post #425 in Tannersville for 20 years, serving as Commander and Senior Vice-Commander. Because of his dedication and work in building the Tannersville Veterans Memorial, he was awarded a life-time membership to the American Legion. Robert began his stone mason business in 1946, which he proudly continued to present day. Some of his many structures still standing today include the Sivannand Ashram in Reeders, and the current renovation of Pete Newell's Old Mill in Snydersville. Robert, along with his wife, Jill, also utilized his skills to build and design a new conservatory as a recent addition to their Scotrun home. In 1960 he shot his first bear. As an avid deer and bear hunter, he enjoyed teaching and sharing his hobby with others throughout the years. His Fourth of July hike to the falls on Sevenpine Mountain became an annual event. For many years he began his day with an early visit to Billy's Diner, reading the Pocono Record and chatting with his friends. Robert will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched. He is survived by his devoted wife of ten years, Jill F. Besecker; daughter, Christina L. Besecker of Mt. Pocono; sister, Shirley Besecker of Breckenridge, Colorado; three step-children, William DeHaven and his wife, Lorrie of Scotrun, Susan Lull of Marshalls Creek, Sharon Young and her husband Jeremy of Emerald Lakes; four grandchildren; nephew, Charles Creen of Breckenridge, Colorado, one grand-niece, two grand-nephews, aunts, Hazel I. Neill and Orpa Besecker, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn A. Besecker, mother of Christina; second wife, Phyllis DeHaven Besecker; and sister, Elva Besecker. The Reverend John Charnock of the Mt. Pocono United Methodist Church will conduct a Celebration of Life at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 17 at the Bolock Funeral Home, corner of routes 940 & 390 in Paradise Valley. Relatives and friends may visit from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.