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Robert W. Barum

August 18, 1955 - June 25, 2025

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Obituary For Robert W. Barum

Robert W. Barum, of Whitehall, formerly of West Mifflin. Born August 18, 1955. A kind and gentle heart ceased to beat on June 25, 2025 when Bob passed from this world to meet his Maker and join those he loved in heaven. Someone very special who fought until the end with tenacity and energy; who taught us to live every day as if it were the best day; who filled the world with a gentle spirit and met every challenge he faced with positivity. He was blessed by God’s grace with a true miracle having received and surviving, through determination, and perseverance 29 years following a kidney/pancreas transplant.

His love for his family was immeasurable. Cherishing his memory are the love of his life, wife of 46 years, and best friend Jan (Pasay) Barum, his precious daughter Katie (Sam) Smerkol and his best little buddy, grandson Jacob, who called him Papa. He was predeceased by his parents, Doris (Nolf) and Robert M. Barum. Brother of Jim (Debbie), John (Jeri) and Karen (David). Brother in law of Kathy (late Rich) Schur, Denis and Mary Jo Pasay and the late Rick Pasay.

Bob graduated with a Criminal Justice Degree from Edinboro University. He worked 30 years as a Correctional Officer at the Allegheny County Jail. He was an easy-going guy who got along with everyone. His most endearing quality was that he would push himself beyond his limits in order that his loved ones would not be disappointed. His proudest accomplishment was providing for and taking care of his family. You could often find him at the county airport watching planes take off and on a clear day, taking a plane ride in a two seater. He enjoyed holiday family dinners at his daughter’s home, reading hundreds of books on his Kindle, watching NCIS and Blue Bloods on TV and most of all playing games with his grandson. He and Jan traveled the USA, visiting points of interest in 24 different states, his favorite being Hawaii.

Special thanks to his transplant surgeons: Robert J. Corry, MD, Carlos Vivas MD and his foot surgeons Dane Wukich, MD and Jeffrey Manway, MD, along with the many supportive doctors and nurses at UPMC.

Friends will be received at John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. where a blessing service will be held Monday morning at 10:00. A fitting memorial in tribute to Bob would be to register as an organ donor at CORE.org or by way of your driver’s license, to give another person the same joy he experienced with a second chance at life.

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Condolences

  • June 29, 2025

    Dave Hromanik

    From the West Mifflin South High School Class of 73, Godspeed, Bobby Barum!

  • June 27, 2025

    Dan Hancock

    To Bob's family. I had the pleasure of working with one of the nicest gentleman/ Correctional Officers I have ever worked with! You have my deepest sympathy! Fly high my brother until we meet again! Retired corrections Officer/ Dan Hancock.

  • June 26, 2025

    Maureen and Chuck Cerny

    Jan, Katie and family We are very sad to hear the news of Bob's passing. Bob and Jan had a great love story and were very supportive of each other. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

  • June 26, 2025

    Anita Fleming

    I didn't know Bob personally but was friends with Jan. He sounds like a wonderful man and I'm sure he will be sorely missed by all who he came in contact with. My deepest sympathy to Jan and family.

  • June 26, 2025

    Jim Gregg

    Deepest sympathy to Bob's family / I had the honor to work with him at the A.C.J./ He was a GREAT guy who did a great job / My prayer are with his family during this difficult time /Rest in peace my friend / Retired Exc.Deputy Warden Jim Gregg