Robert Fletcher Taft, age 98, died peacefully on January 12, 2014, at his residence at Asbury Springhill Community in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was the epitome of a gentleman and a scholar and lived a full and rewarding life.
Bob was born on July 11, 1915, the son of Raymond R. Taft and Mae Bossler Taft. After graduating from Academy High School in 1932, he received A.B. and M.A. degrees in history in 1936 and 1938, respectively, from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bob then began his studies toward a Ph.D. degree in history at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, receiving a B.S. in Library Science from Case in 1942 along the way.
Bob's first career was in academia. He was an Instructor in History at the University of Pittsburgh and at Case Western Reserve University. In 1945, Bob became an Associate Professor of History at Knox College in Galesboro, Illinois.
On March 30, 1944, Bob married Elizabeth Jane Epp, daughter of George L. Epp, founder of Epp Furniture Company in Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1946, following Mr. Epp's untimely death, Bob returned to Erie for what he thought would be a short-term stay to help stabilize the family business. Instead, Bob began his second career as a successful businessman, initially serving as Treasurer and later as the President of Epp Furniture Company until his retirement in 1978. During that time, Bob displayed the leadership, integrity, and fairness to employees, customers, and others that were the cornerstones of his life.
Bob was a member of the Board of Directors of Erie Indemnity Company from 1952 to 1991. Bob held many community leadership positions, serving as President of the Erie Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Erie Kiwanis Club, the Erie County Motor Club, the Erie County Historical Society, and the Erie Salvation Army Advisory Board. He also was a Board Member of the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, Family & Child Services of Erie, the Erie Council of Churches, and several other community organizations.
Bob never forgot the financial support that he received from others which helped him pursue his interests at college and graduate school. In addition to monetary donations that he made to the Erie community, Bob quietly paid tuition and related expenses for other college and graduate students who displayed character and promise. He also donated his private library to Penn State Behrend.
After Bob retired, he and Jane spent more time at their beautiful and historic Somervilla Farm in Mitchells, Virginia, hosting many friends from Erie and acquainting them with black angus cattle. Bob and Jane loved to travel, visiting many parts of the world together with London, England being their favorite destination. Always a teacher, Bob took great pleasure introducing his grandchildren to Europe and Africa on several "grandpa" trips. A highlight for more than 20 summers was the annual beach vacation he hosted for the family at Nags Head, North Carolina.
Bob was a life-long student of history and politics. Those who engaged in discussions with Bob were treated to articulate, well-reasoned positions and clearly knew where he stood. He also thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of the YMCA Men's Health Club as well as the broad range of discussions, both important and less important, at the Erie Club Round Table.
Bob is survived by his two children: a son, Roger H. Taft, married to Laurel, of Erie; and a daughter, Cynthia Taft Grano, married to John, of Mitchells, Virginia; four grandchildren: Jordan T. Grano, married to Jill, of Boulder, Colorado; Evin T. Grano, married to Jessica, of Midlothian, Virginia; Chloe Taft Kang, married to Jason, of Chicago, Illinois; and Aidan T. Grano of New York City, New York; and five great-grandchildren Preceding Bob in death were his beloved wife, Jane; two grandsons, Alexander H. Taft and Nicholas F. Taft; and two brothers, Joseph B. Taft and Richard Z. Taft.
Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the McBrier Chapel at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. Private burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Taft Family Fund at the Erie Community Foundation, 456 West 6th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507, or to the charity of one's choice.
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