Robert J. Gownley

Robert J. "Bob" Gownley, 74, Frackville, passed away peacefully Sunday morning with his loving family by his side.

Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Francis and Joan Collins Gownley. He had worked as an automobile salesman until becoming the owner of Ashland Downtown Motors for over 40 years.

He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Frackville. He was a 1967 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War serving from 1968 to 1970. After the service, he had been employed by John Wanamakers in Harrisburg until 1972.

Bob was a member of Girardville AOH, Jack Kehoe Division 1, life member of the Ashland Elks lodge #0384, Frackville American Legion post 398, Lady Lake Legion post 347, Florida, life member of Frackville Knights of Columbus, Council 2580 and a member of Mountain Valley Golf Course.

Bob and Margaret Mary visited their home in The Villages, Florida during the winter months. Bob enjoyed playing golf, traveling and Disney vacations with his family. Most of all, Bob loved spending time with his three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers; Terrance and Charles Gownley, his sister JoAnn Gownley and his step-father Jerry O'Conner.

Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years Margaret Mary Mellon Gownley, his daughters; Colleen wife of Viet Hoang, West Deptford, NJ and Ann Margaret wife of Jason Hutira, Frackville, his three grandchildren; Lily and Cameron Hoang and Jack Hutira, his sisters; Mary Fran Zack and Cathy Hannon both of Mahanoy Plane also by several nieces and nephews.

The family would like extend a grateful thank you to Dr. Megan Wheelden of the Penn State Cancer Institute for her special care of Bob.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph The Worker Parish ( St. Ann's Church, Frackville with Rev. Giuseppe Esposito, pastor, as the celebrant. Interment will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Mahanoy City.

Viewing for family and friends will be held in St. Ann's Church, Frackville, on Thursday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. and again on Friday morning from 10 a.m. until time of mass.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer contributions, in Bob's name, to either Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or Penn State Cancer Institute in c/o Office of University Development 1249 Cocoa Ave., Suite 115, PO Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033.

Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.