Robert "Robie" Jares

Robert “Robie” Jares age 69, of Erie, passed away at home surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer on Thursday, August 10, 2023.

He was born in Erie on June 19, 1954, a son of the late John Henry and Helen Sobczak Jares.  

A 1972 graduate of East High School, Robie worked as a delivery driver for UPS for 34 years.  During that time, he was a member of Teamsters Local 397 and served as both a Union Steward and on the Board of Trustees. 

A true sports fan, he loved watching the Buffalo Sabres and Bills, and frequently attended Pittsburgh Pirate games in his youth to watch his favorite player, Roberto Clemente.  Active in sports himself, he played water polo, golf, and tennis.  He also enjoyed skiing and weightlifting and was a volunteer coach for his daughter’s soccer team. 

He was an ardent student of martial arts, earning a Brown Belt in Goshin-jutsu, and studying the teachings of his idol, Bruce Lee.

He loved spending time at the family camp, where he enjoyed archery hunting.  Once retired, he enjoyed visiting with his 3 daughters, sons-in-law, and his 4 granddaughters, who they affectionately referred to him as “Papa”.   He truly cherished every moment with his family. 

His vibrant, outgoing, and fun personality ensured that he never met a stranger and made many friends. 

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved brother, John Raymond Jares.

Robie is survived by his dearest wife of 46 years, Cindy Jares; three daughters, Mandy Warr (Bob), Kimberly Ester (Eric), and Samantha Jares (Nicholas Testa); three sisters, Henrietta Everts (John), Charlene Pepicello (Bill), and Patricia Collins; four granddaughters, Maddie, Annabelle, Tessa, and Katie, a step-grandson, Thayer; and many nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie, PA on Monday, August 14, 2023 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.