[Kip Currier: At Bob Marshall's funeral service in Crafton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Father John Gizler used the "power of story" to both comfort those in attendance and underscore Bob's lasting influence: recounting the kindness and personal "make-a-difference" touches that Bob tirelessly exuded in his diners--chatting with customers at every table, asking "how are you doing?" with genuine interest, a pot of piping hot coffee in one hand to refill their cups. Father John insightfully observed that, in a sense, each of Bob's diners were like individual parishes, where Bob "ministered" with comfort food, and a side of heartfelt caring.
Father John's concluding words left the audience with a touching and memorable image: Bob Marshall greeting the denizens of heaven at its newest restaurant:
Bob's Heavenly Donuts.]
"Speaking with those who knew Robert John Marshall — “Bob” — the best, a few things are immediately apparent about how he lived his life: He wasn’t afraid to fail. He was beloved. He was a relentless optimist. And he knew his bacon.
Those are traits that are vital for the lifetime entrepreneur and businessman who founded the local chain of Bob’s Diners at four locations in the South Hills and western suburbs as well as a doughnut and sandwich shop...
“Bacon was his thing.”
So too, was treating his staff with dignity.
Gary Reinert Jr. worked for Mr. Marshall for the past six years as a manager at Bob’s locations.
“I could not have come into contact with him at a better time. I was out of work and he gave me an opportunity. He was a godsend,” Mr. Reinert said. “He gave me purpose, he gave the people he came in contact purpose and he made you feel you were valued.”"
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