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In memory of

Bob Laughery

Scottdale, PA

June 16, 1932 - January 29, 2018

Jun 16, 1932 - Jan 29, 2018

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Bob Laughery
Robert Walter Laughery, Jr.

A loving soul, motivating coach, accomplished athlete, and talented gardener!

On January 29, 2018, Bob Laughery, 85, peacefully passed away at Excela Health LaTrobe hospital in LaTrobe, Pennsylvania.

Bob was born on June 16th, Father’s Day in 1932. He was the youngest of 3 children and only son of Robert Walter Laughery, Sr. and Vane Harbaugh of Mill Run, Pennsylvania. His surviving sisters are Margaret Holt of Salt Lake City, Utah and Rosemary Petrilli of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.

Bob was a graduate of Connellsville High School, where he was a gifted athlete playing football, basketball, baseball and track and field. As a junior, Bob scored 4 touchdowns against rival team Dunbar Mules in a 26-6 win in front of 6,000 fans at Trotter Stadium. He did the same as a senior scoring 3 touchdowns for a 32-6 win. He played in the Fayette County All Star Grid Classic and was named MVP of the game.

He was offered college scholarships for baseball and football from multiple universities and although Bob wanted to play for Louisiana State University, his parents decided he would commit to the University of Maryland because it was closer to home. Bob played on the Maryland 1952 national championship football team that defeated Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. After a short stint in the Army, he returned to Maryland and played for the Terrapins in a perfect undefeated season leading to a bid to the 1956 Orange Bowl against top ranked Oklahoma. In 1955, Bob rediscovered his niche in punting and kicking.

The Green Bay Packers drafted Bob in the 10th round in 1956 as a kicker. After his professional football career, he returned to Prince Georges County in Maryland where he taught physical education, coached baseball, basketball and football and worked a second job at Pantry Pride and Safeway as a produce manager. He touched many lives during his 30 years as a teacher and coach before retiring in 1988 in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

After retirement, Bob returned to his hometown of Mill Run, Pennsylvania. He later married Nola Joyce May. They were married almost 25 years.

Bob’s surviving daughters, Greta Irvin of Austin, Texas, Pam James of LaPlata, Maryland, Denise Watters of Tucson, Arizona and Carla Laughery of Odenton, Maryland cherish the strong memories of life with their father. Bob was a coach to his girls and instilled a sense of grace, commitment, poise, discipline, sportsmanship, and competition in each daughter. Bob had 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Bob could often be found on the New Carrollton tennis courts coaching his daughters, swimming in the New Carrollton pool, or in the Charles Carroll gym or on a field coaching young athletes. Bob was a kind, compassionate, loving husband and father.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, pruning his pine trees, walking the neighborhood, building a beautiful zen-like garden, reading books, appreciating nature, constantly telling jokes, keeping fit and helping others. Bob’s daily uniform was a Terrapin sweatshirt and baseball cap. At the time of his unexpected passing, Bob was in good health, great spirits and still enjoyed an occasional Miller Lite, but thank goodness he no longer chewed that tobacco! He was respected and cherished for his loving nature and friendly soul. According to his Pastor, he charmed his fellow parishioners and was always positive and in good humor.

At his wish, there was only an intimate family memorial service. Donations in his name can be made to Connellsville High School, Connellsville, Pennsylvania or to the University of Maryland, Athletic Department, College Park, Maryland.

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