Robert L. Gordon, of Greensburg, was a people person whom just about everyone knew.
His 42 years of service with Allegheny Power, formerly West Penn Power, made him the face behind the company. He rose through the ranks of the company, from engineering and sales functions, to division manager of the company's Loyalhanna and Lincoln offices, before becoming director of personnel in 1990.
"He was always doing something in the community ... attending luncheons. Everyone knew him. He loved to be the center of attention. He was always a big-time people person," said his son, Scott, of Atlanta.
Mr. Gordon even appeared on the cover of one of Allegheny Power's monthly publications with Latrobe golf legend Arnold Palmer. "Arnold Palmer got his cabin wired when the company was promoting the efficiency of electrical power," Scott Gordon said.
After a valiant, eight-year battle with cancer, Mr. Gordon died in his home on Friday, May 21, 2004. He was 74.
"We like to think of my dad as a cancer survivor. He would have surgery, recover, and then get out and walk the neighborhood, or go golf," he said.
Scott Gordon said his father was so determined to stay active he agreed to experimental cancer treatments in Texas, which ultimately extended his life. "His last surgery was in November, and his first question for the doctors was, 'When can I play golf?' They didn't think he'd play, but he did in February," his son said.
"People told me that if there was ever an inspiration, it was my father."
Mr. Gordon even wished to maintain his positive approach to life by shunning a public viewing after his passing.
"He wanted people to remember him the way he was in life," Scott Gordon said.
In addition to his community persona, Mr. Gordon also was a face on the front lines of battle during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. As an engineer, he was responsible for introducing the first night-fighting equipment, the Sniperscope, to American troops.
"He would bring it in and show troops how to use it. They were skeptical it would work, but then he showed them it was able to detect the enemy snipers had tunneled beneath the surface, rather than attack from on a hill. He traveled back and forth, reporting how the scope was working, and bringing back improved equipment for the troops," Scott Gordon said.
Mr. Gordon was preceded in death by his daughter, Janice, who died in a vehicle accident in 1976, and his wife of 44 years, Carol, who died in May 2002.
In addition to his son and daughter-in-law, Carol, he is survived by a brother, Paul, and his wife, Wanda, of State College, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. today at St. Vincent Basilica, Unity Township, followed by a celebration of life reception at DiSalvo's Station, 325 McKinley Ave., Latrobe. Arrangements were handled by Hartman-Graziano Funeral Home Inc., 1500 Ligonier St., Latrobe.
