Robert J. Painter, former Rehoboth employee

Robert J. Painter, 62, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly from the Butler/Kittanning, Pa. area, passed away Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, from a cardiac event.

Mr. Painter was born June 14, 1954, in Kittanning to the late Everett W. and Caroline (Jean) Hughes Painter of the Templeton/Rural Valley, Pa. area.

Mr. Painter graduated from the Dayton High School, Dayton, Pa., and from the Lenape Vocational Technical School in Ford City, Pa., in 1973, where he was taught marketing and management.

After graduating from the schools, Mr. Painter worked for the former Andy's Market of Ford City, where he did various jobs as needed.

In 1986, he started working at the former Eljer Industries to become a laborer/inspector of vitreous china. Then in July of 1999, he moved to Rehoboth Beach with his husband. In 2006, Mr. Painter achieved a position working for the City of Rehoboth Beach in the maintenance department, from which he eventually retired.

Mr. Painter's favorite past-times were visiting with his grandchildren, reading, traveling, flower gardening and walking Rehoboth beaches.

Mr. Painter is survived by his husband of 28 years, Alvin Wise; a brother, William Painter and his companion Rita of Kittanning. He is also survived by his two sons, Christopher S. Painter of Butler and Gregory R. Painter and his wife Stacey of Milford; his three stepdaughters Ms. Traci Cochran of Sparks, Nev., Mrs. James (Wendy) Musser Jr. of Butler, and Mrs. Christopher (Melissa) Noel of Sparks.

His grandchildren include Ms. Madison K. Sibble of Idaho Falls, Id., Ms. Cali J. and Emily G. Painter of Milford. His stepgrandchildren include Mrs. James (Brittany) Rogerson of Hermitage, Pa., Dylan L. Weitzel of Butler, Robert (Rob) Cochran, Hunter, Amber and Forest Noel, all of Sparks, James Musser III and Mark Musser, both of Butler, and Chelsey Heisler of Lakeworth, Fla.; stepgrandchildren include James Musser IV, Curtis Musser, Zack Burkhart; and a stepgreat-grandchild Jayden Weitzel, all of Butler.

Mr. Painter will be cremated and laid to rest in a private ceremony in Butler County Memorial Park, Butler, at which time a Memorial Service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Painter requests donations be made to the humane society of your choice, or do something special for a person in need in his name.

Arrangements are being made by Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford. To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.