Robert "Bob" Mark Arbogast

Robert “Bob” Mark Arbogast

A Mechanicsburg Kid -

Robert M. Arbogast, 59, of Bendersville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 in his big rig, as a result of a truck accident, on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Bobby is preceded in death by his father, William C. Arbogast and survived by his mother, Jane Anne Arbogast of Mechanicsburg; his new bride, Mary Kathleen (Widdowson) Ouellette Arbogast of Bendersville; his three children, Brandon Bransted of Wisconsin, Courtney Arbogast of Wisconsin, and Brice Arbogast of Mechanicsburg; his new step-children, Margaret “Maggie” Hoover and husband, Wes, of Biglerville,  Michael “Mike” Chenosky and wife, Brittney, of Chesterfield, NJ; his sister Kathy Witters and husband, Tim, of Mechanicsburg; his brother, Bill Arbogast and wife, Jeanette, of Mechanicsburg, and his nieces and nephews: Matt, LeAnn, Seth, Shea, and Kassie.

Bobby was a Mechanicsburg kid, through and through, graduating from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High in 1979.  He was well known in town as a longtime member of Saint Mark Lutheran Church, the Citizen’s Fire Company, and the DJ for the annual New Year’s Eve wrench drop in downtown Mechanicsburg.  Bobby is also remembered for his extraordinary musical talents which he exhibited at the age of three, by playing Saturday morning cartoon themes on the family piano by ear.  He played bass in local bars with the South Mountain Ramblers as a young teenager composing, singing, and releasing his song ‘Images of You’.  Bob served in the US Navy and played with the Navy Band in San Francisco.  After returning to Mechanicsburg Bob again played with the South Mountain Ramblers as well as Rhythm n Brews, Cornfusion, Blue Mountain, Country Bob and the BBQ Boys, Bailey’s Crossing, Voxology, Buck n Chet, and most recently Klinger McFry.  Bobby was also a co-founder of the Arbogast Foundation and served as an Executive Board Member as the Foundation grew and gave back to the community.  More recently, Bobby served as a worship leader for Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Mercersburg.  He was a Mechanicsburg kid, well-loved and with a life well lived.

All are welcome to join Bobby’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Friday, January 29, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  A private interment will be at the convenience of the family, in St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Columbarium.  Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to Jill Arbogast for her love and support.

Contributions honoring Bobby’s memory may be made to Mount Zion Lutheran Church, c/o Aretha Funk, 18255 Fort Davis Road, Mercersburg, PA 17236.

Bobby’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bobby’s full obituary, view his photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.