Robert J. Bylone, Sr.

Born on April 13, 1943, Robert J. Bylone, Sr., affectionately known as Bob, passed into eternal rest on December 14, 2025 at the age of 82. His continual trait was reflected as being a selfless servant to his community, country, church, and family.

The youngest of four boys, and originally hailing from the post-depression City of Philadelphia, Bob began employment at the age of 10 as a newspaper boy and worked for 60 years until the age of 70. This led to various jobs in the City as a Jaffe hardware store clerk, Stroehmann Bakery baker, and soda jerk which spurred his interest in pharmacy.

During a record long 11-year period of education at The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, where he enjoyed many fraternity outings, Bob entered the Air Force, serving in the Security Service where he was trained as a surveyor. During this time, Bob was in various countries of the world including 2 duty assignments in Vietnam but spent most of his time in Pakistan where he was taken as a prisoner while aiding local villagers. Later in life, Bob frequently was found helping area veterans to understand and obtain their disability benefits as since 1975, he was a member of both the Tremont American Legion and Auburn VFW.

Returning home to Carol and after marrying, Bob finished both his service commitment and education, ultimately deciding to relocate to Carol’s family farm where he and Carol raised their family with the loving aid of Carol’s parents. During this time, with Carol as his partner, Bob co-owned and operated the Tremont Pharmacy and Liberty Square Pharmacy. He then subsequently operated Redner’s Pharmacy of Schuylkill Haven until he was 70. The Pharmacy operations excelled, with the peak of retail and closed-door pharmacy operations at 16 employees, 4 nursing homes, 1 state prison, and 2 personal care facilities. While managing the business, he also served as a clerkship instructor for his College. Of his numerous awards, he received the national Wyeth Bowl of Hygeia, given annually to the most outstanding community pharmacists of the nation. Hygeia being the internationally recognized symbol of pharmacy.

Many people knew Bob as a community pharmacist, but also as an Orwigsburg Boy Scout Troop #124 Scoutmaster, where in the ‘80s and 90’s Bob reignited the love of scouting in the Orwigsburg community, having a total of 10 Eagle Scouts, 7 within the troop. He also had 11 scouts earn their respective religious awards. Although not a scout as a boy, Bob received many adult scouting recognitions, including his Order of the Arrow Vigil membership, and the highest award an adult can achieve, the Silver Beaver Award. He too was proud to be the regional Catholic Religious Award instructor with his wife Carol. He was the recipient of the adult Catholic service award, the St. George Award.

Bob became Catholic in 1989, entering the faith as a parishioner of the St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church. This is where he helped to found the St. Ambrose Men’s Club, a group supporting the Church to this day. He also enjoyed listening to Carol sing in the choir and serving while able as a voluntary religious instructor; eucharistic minister; usher; and lector.

A 50-year plus member and while professionally in the communities of Tremont and Orwigsburg, starting in 1976, Bob became involved in the local Lions Clubs where he rose to lead both organizations, earning numerous awards including Citizen of the Year Award in 2008.

Bob was also a strong and proud supporter of the Schuylkill County Republican Committee, often providing his firm yet sage views to the Committee, rising to the position of Vice-Chairman. Bob could often be seen “operating” the Republican Committee Headquarters office in Pottsville, establishing election promotion schedules; coordinating precinct involvements; and offering advice.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Carol of 55 years, his son Robert Jr., daughter-inl-aw Diane, and granddaughter Mateah; his loving daughter Laura, son-in-law Herold Kroh, and grandsons John and Luke. He enjoyed frequenting Mateah’s many performances; Luke’s karate demonstrations; and supported John through his love of McDonalds Restaurants and band competitions. All in all, his best times were simply when his family could be around him for Sunday dinner or a holiday meal. He also enjoyed cooking, especially showcasing his talents preparing an authentic “south-Philly” Italian meal.

It was Bob’s personal request to have well attended services to recognize his life, family, and many friends. Viewing services will be held at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home, Orwigsburg, December 22 from 6-8:00p and on December 23 from 9:15- 10:15a at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. On December 23 at 10:15a there will be a celebration of Catholic mass at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA, with interment immediately following the mass at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery including full military honors.

For those interested and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be provided to the Orwigsburg Lions Club at PO Box 153 Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or the Friendship Hose Company #1 Orwigsburg at 121 North Liberty Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Please place as memo or comment "Bylone Contribution."

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