Sunset-Surf
Official Obituary of

Robert Stephen Dirda

January 5, 1936 ~ May 21, 2023 (age 87) 87 Years Old

Robert Dirda Obituary

ROBERT STEPHEN DIRDA, age 87, passed away on May 21, 2023. He was born on
January 5, 1936, the son of the late John and Ann (nee Bilconish) Dirda. Dear husband
to Patricia (nee Skovran) for nearly 62 years and loving father to MaryBeth Houlahan
(Jeff), Robert (Michelle) and Kathy Gulla (Matt). Proud Paps to Patrick, Colleen, Anna,
Bobby, Katie, and Julia. Dear brother of John, Paul (Rose), Thomas (Mary); caring
brother-in-law to Michael Skovran (the late Phyllis) and Rose Marie Rupnik (Paul); and
loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded
in death by his three sisters Betty, Anna Mae and Charlotte; infant brother Michael and
sister-in-law Mary. Bob was a 1953 graduate of Redstone High School in Republic,
Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter he moved to Ohio, where he began a 48-year career
at the Ford Motor Co. in Walton Hills, Ohio. He spent two of those years (1959-1961)
serving our country in the United States Army. Even though he lived in Ohio for 68
years, he remained a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan. Bob loved to tinker around in his
garage and garden. He shared his love of gathering, cleaning, and cracking black
walnuts with his children and grandchildren. Very dedicated to his faith, Bob spent
many years working and volunteering his time, talent, and treasure at Mount St. Macrina
in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch in Burton, Ohio.
Whether at Cape May, New Jersey with his wife or Hilton Head, South Carolina with his
family, Bob was happiest when he was with the ones he loved. Family and friends may
call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA RD. (OH RTE 82),
SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023 FROM 4:00 P.M.
TO 7:00 P.M. WHERE A PARASTAS SERVICE WILL BE RECITED AT 7:00 P.M.
FRIDAY. Visitation will take place again Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. until
11:00 a.m. in the vestibule of the Church, where a Panachida Service will be recited at
11:00 a.m. Saturday. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Joseph
Byzantine Catholic Church, 8111 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. Burial will
take place on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Mount St. Macrina Cemetery, 500
West Main Street, Uniontown, Pennsylvania 15401. Memorial contributions may be
made in Bob’s name to the Alzhiemer’s Association of Cleveland, 23215 Commerce
Park Road STE 300, Beachwood, Ohio, 44122. www.ferfoliafuneralhomes.com.

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Services

Visitation
Saturday
May 27, 2023

10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church
8111 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

Panachida
Saturday
May 27, 2023

11:00 AM
St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church
8111 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday
May 27, 2023

11:30 AM
St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church
8111 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

Graveside Service
Tuesday
May 30, 2023

1:00 PM
Mt. St. Macrina Cemetery
500 West Main Street
Uniontown, PA 15401

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