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Robert "Bob" James Gedeon

January 23, 1948 - February 11, 2026

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Obituary For Robert "Bob" James Gedeon

Age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Kingsport, TN.

Bob was born on January 23, 1948, in Pittsburgh, and was the son of the late John “Jack” and Mary (Haduch) Gedeon.

Bob wasn’t just the #1 Dad, he was an icon. He embodied the philosophy of “work hard, play hard,” and wherever he went, he was the life of the party. His dance moves rivaled Pee-wee Herman’s, and if there was a dance floor nearby, it both feared and awaited his arrival.

Bob was the true MVP, the most valuable paying football fan (and most vocal) there ever was. Section 506 will never be the same without him. And in true Bob fashion, we can’t help but joke that maybe it’s for the best he didn’t have to witness this year’s Florida State season.

He instilled a deep love of music in his girls. Many nights, especially at 131, you could find him at the kitchen island playing his favorite songs, turning an ordinary evening into a full-blown concert. Rolling Stone’s “Gimme Shelter ” could play on repeat in the house and every family member could jump in and take the lead . He felt music deeply, and he made sure we did too.

But more than anything, more than the dancing, the games, the jokes , Bob’s greatest joy in life was his family. Loving us wasn’t just something he did; it was who he was. He poured his whole heart into being our dad. We were his pride, his purpose, his greatest accomplishment.

And in true Seinfeld spirit, not that there’s anything wrong with that, we can confidently say our dad was better than your dad. All seriousness aside, we have no grievances to air. Only gratitude. Only love.

Bob loved his family fiercely, and we loved him right back with everything we had. He was, is, and always will be the #1 Dad.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Cheryl (Perry) Gedeon; and his six children, Julie (the late Jim) Sweeney, Kristen Gedeon, Jennifer Rosas, the late John Gedeon, Heather (Brian) Bodnar, and Bethany Gedeon; his brother, Kenneth Gedeon; as well as 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary “Louise” Armel and Elizabeth “Betty” Steyer.

Arrangements were handled privately through the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227. A committal service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Queen of Heaven at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    January van Leeuwen planted 5 trees in memory of Robert "Bob" James Gedeon . - February 20, 2026

  • 10 TREES

    Jason t maenz planted 10 trees in memory of Robert "Bob" James Gedeon . - February 20, 2026

Condolences

  • March 23, 2026

    Joyce Nelms

    I just learned of Bob's passing and would like to extend my sympathies to his family. I worked with him for several years in KingsportTN; he was quite a character. Always friendly and funny. He did a great job as a subcontractor for the company I worked for. I'm sure he will be truly missed by his family and friends Joyce Nelms

  • February 21, 2026

    Clarissa

    The first time I really spoke with Bobby was the time at camp where my aunt and I helped him with the shed roof. He spread his wisdom, his joy, and his ambition with every single person he connected with, if even for a moment. I could immediately tell he always put 100% of who he was into what he did. That includes his job, his physical being, and his whole family. He will always be remembered through the love this family has for a great man like him. -Clarissa Maenz

  • February 20, 2026

    Jason Maenz

    Even though Bob was 24 yrs older than me I esteemed him to be more of a brother figure than a father - this is a testament to his persona. Even all he accomplished in life, business and family he was humble individual- the essence of a real man. Robert I thank you for your indelible and forever lasting efforts on OUR deer camp - they will always be reminders that we still have you with us. I thank you for having great memories of me and my life( and retelling them with much fervor and always a smile on your face.) I thank you for joining my family on one of our Canadian fishing trips, unforgettable. Mostly I just will miss you and deer camp WILL not be as remarkable. - Jason Maenz

  • February 19, 2026

    Debby Richard

    Dave and I offer our deepest sympathies to your family. So sorry we could not attend but our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time

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