Robert "Bob" Francis Kisthart

A memorial graveside service in honor of Robert and Isabel Kisthart will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022, 11 A.M., at Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston with Veteran’s Honors.

Robert Kisthart passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022, fittingly wearing his retired Navy hat, with his grandson, Ty Kisthart, at his side. Bob was born August 22, 1923, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, and upon graduation received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He served in the regular and reserve Navy until 1968 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He had a great love of country, family, baseball, and travel. He would tell fascinating stories of his travels all over the world during his time in the Navy. Bob married Isabel Catherine MacDonald on December 16, 1951, after an unusual proposal. Bob was at sea when he had his father take the engagement ring to Isabel on February 22, 1951. That date had special meaning to Bob because on that day, 7 years earlier, in 1944, he lost many shipmates when the ship he was serving on was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea and he wanted to have a good memory for that day. Isabel would jokingly say that Bob was sunk twice that day. Bob loved all sports, but at the top of the list was baseball. He was a lifelong Phillies fan. He passed on his love of sports to his children teaching them basketball, baseball, and good sportsmanship. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play. When he was working out of town, he would take the red-eye flight home to watch his son play high school baseball and then fly back to work. Bob was always involved in his children's lives. He had fun playing games with his children. In the backyard pool, he would show off his signature dive, going off the diving board slapping his knees, and entering the pool perfectly straight. He was a boy scout leader, playing Akela, the symbol of wisdom. He and Isabel ran the concessions at the high school football games. They enjoyed interacting with the high school kids. After Bob's retirement in 1988, he and Isabel enjoyed a full life of traveling, visiting every state in the contiguous United States (always traveling by car). He loved learning the history of the places they visited. In 1992, his oldest son, Bob, took him on a 150-mile canoe trip on the Missouri River. He was 69 years old at the time and this was a great adventure for him. During their 69 years of marriage, they lived in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California (twice), and Montana. Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church, Shriners, and the Masonic Lodge. Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Isabel Catherine; his parents, Harry and Verna (Drasher) Kisthart; and his sister, Lola Kisthart. Bob leaves his family of four children; Barbara (Lloyd) Martin, Bob Kisthart, Jeff (Mary) Kisthart, Bill (Heather) Kisthart; 8 grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Martin, Cody (Kia) Kisthart, Ty Kisthart, Molly Kisthart, Larami Kisthart, Brady (Abbi) Kisthart, Sarah Kisthart, and Paesan Kisthart; 4 great-grandchildren, Easton Klimek, Wyatt and Hudson Martin, Collins Kisthart, and a #5 due in May 2022, Madeline Isabel Martin; and dear friends Kris Walker, Norm Miller, and Glenn Livingston.Dad, aka Pap-Pap, will be missed every day. We will miss his loving care, wise words, and subtle humor. Our family was truly blessed to have him for our father and Pap-Pap. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.