Robert T. Shirk

Robert T. Shirk, 82, of Silver Spring Twp., Mechanicsburg, passed away on Friday, October 06, 2017 in Pinnacle Hospital, West Shore.

He was a retired News Director with WHP TV Harrisburg, WLYH TV Lancaster, WCMB TV Harrisburg, WHUM TV Reading and WLBR TV Lebanon. In his retirement he operated Harrisburg Metro Area Courier Service and volunteered with Project Cure. Robert was a graduate of Cornwall High School and Grantham School of Electronics. Additionally, he was an Army veteran of the Korean War and continued with Army Reserves service where he attained the rank of Sergeant E-5. He was a member of St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, Mechanicsburg, a former member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland, Lower Allen VFW Post 7530 and West Shore Chapter of BPOE Lodge 2257. Robert enjoyed classic cars, Big Band music and was a WWII History buff. He was an avid baseball fan who rooted for the Chicago Cubs, but more than anything, he loved his family - especially his three grandchildren.

Robert was born in Cornwall, PA to the late Ammon and Katharine (Quarry) Shirk. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Douglas R. Totaro, and two sisters, Jane Frances Shirk and Mary Ellen Bowman.

He is survived by his wife of more than 44 years, Judith M. (Schmitt) Shirk; children, Doreen M. Lecheler and husband Brent of Mechanicsburg and Donald Totaro and wife Melanie of Lancaster; siblings, Kathleen Krause of Cornwall and Edward Shirk of Ephrata; and three grandchildren, Douglas M. Totaro, Derek J. Totaro and Nicholas A. Lecheler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 in St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Bridge St. New Cumberland, PA 17070 with the Rev. Kenneth G. Smith as Celebrant. Viewing will be from 9:30 – 10:30 am Tuesday in Parthemore Funeral Home, New Cumberland. Burial will be in Rolling Green Cemetery, Lower Allen Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 3001 Old Gettysburg Road Camp Hill, PA 17011.

To send messages of condolence to Robert’s family or for driving directions, please visit www.Parthemore.com .