Robert Messner September 11, 1942 - March 24, 2025

Bob Messner, age 82, went home to the Lord on Monday, March 24, 2025 with his children by his side. Born in Allentown, PA to Clarence “Sweets” and Marguerite “Peg” (Brong) Messner on September 11, 1942, Bob is survived by his daughter Jennifer Reninger (Chip) and grandchildren Jacqueline and Ryan of Harrisburg, son Stephen (Chris) of Atlanta, GA, and sister Sandra Dahle (Joseph) of Manassas, VA. He was predeceased by his wife Sevie, his parents and his younger sister, Linda Gelles.

Being a multi-generation Allentownian, Bob had a trove of stories about the family dairy, his father’s car lot and the adventures growing up on Washington Street across the alley from his grandmother, Frieda. Bob worked at Bethlehem Steel for 42 years until the plant began to close in the 1990s. He met his adored Brooklynite wife Sevie at the Hearth in the Poconos and they were married for 52 years at the time of her death in 2023. Humble, kind, an expert doodler with a photographic memory and an encyclopedic knowledge of lyrics, artists, and cars, he was a devoted husband, and a proud father and grandfather. Quick with a smile and a joke, Bob was generous to a fault and never had an unkind word. He was charming new acquaintances, lifting spirits, and keeping everyone laughing up until his last breath. While we know Bob is in a heavenly place, he is missed immensely by his family and many friends.

The funeral will take place at Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N Krocks Rd, Allentown, PA 18106 on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 10:30am (vigil at 9:30am), interment with Sevie immediately following at Grandview Cemetery, 2735 Walbert Ave, Allentown, PA 18104. A celebration of Bob’s life will follow at 12:30pm at the Steel Club, 700 Linden Ave, Hellertown, PA 18055.