Robert Anderson Burford, 92, of Russell, passed away on Saturday, October 8, at the John Blair Hospice House following a brief illness.

Robert was born May 15, 1924, in Climax, PA.  He was the son of the late Jacob Burford and Bessie Hetrick Burford.  Robert served in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Hamul - a destroyer tender.  Upon his return from the war, he married Sylvia "Louise" Cathcart on July 5, 1946, in Climax, PA, and moved to the Warren area shortly thereafter.  He worked for 38 years as a machinist at MRC in Jamestown, NY.  A longtime member of the Cable Hollow Community Church, he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School.  In his younger years, he also played on the church softball team, including the industrial team with MRC.  He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting with his relatives and friends, and gardening.

His is survived by one daughter, Sylvia Jane McCarthy, Gainesville, VA; and two sons, Daniel Lawrence and Kenneth Wayne Burford, both of Russell; three grandchildren, Forrest Burford, and Brian and Scott McCarthy (wife Erin McCarthy); one great-grandchild, Shea McCarthy; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death on November 27, 2009, by his wife, Sylvia "Louise" Burford. Also preceded in death were brothers Melvin Burford, Wallace Burford (killed-in-action in WW II), James Burford, Stanley Burford and sisters Elizabeth Burford Buzzard, Tance Burford Williams, and Mary Burford Radomski.

Friends will be received at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, Inc. 1003 Penn. Ave. E., Warren, on Wednesday, October 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., and at the Cable Hollow Community Church, 3157 Cable Hollow Road, Russell, on Thursday, October 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Allan Jones, pastor, officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow at Hale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution should consider the Cable Hollow Community Church, and/or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA 16365.