Robert L. Filer, a resident for 25 years of 704 Tidball Ave., Grove City, passed away at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, in Orchard Manor, Pine Township. He was 86.

Mr. Filer was born May 26, 1923, in Pardoe, Findley Township, to Joseph E. and Frances A. Kolb Filer.

He attended Grove City High School and retired from Interstate Auto Auction, now ADESA Pittsburgh Motors, Jackson Township, of which he was co-founder and vice president from 1970-88. Formerly he was a partner with his brothers, Gene and Joseph Filer, from 1947-70, with Filer Auto Body, Grove City.

A Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Filer served in Guam during World War II and belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

 He was a past master in 1972 and lifetime member of Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 603, Grove City; and a lifetime member of Scottish Rite’s New Castle Consistory, Zem Zem Shrine in Erie, the Mercer County Shrine Club, and the Vagabonds of Mecca, Grove City.

As a member for 62 years of Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City, Mr. Filer served as a deacon and elder.

He and his wife, the former Helen M. Winklevoss, whom he married Nov. 8, 1946, in Stoneboro, celebrated 62 years of marriage in 2008. She survives at home.

Also surviving are: two daughters, Janet L. Filer, Grove City; and Marsha W. Walker and her husband Gary, Fort White, Fla.; a son, Bradley J. Filer and his companion, Georgette Mortimer, Masury; six grandchildren, Erica Negrin and her husband Aaron, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Amy Walker, Pompano Beach, Fla.; Parker Filer and his wife Julia, Honduras; Capt. Jordan Filer and his wife Megan, Bossier, La.; Abigail Filer, Pittsburgh; and Victoria Filer, Slippery Rock; and two great-grandchildren, Emily and Michael Negrin, both Fort Lauderdale.

Robert also leaves: four sisters, Mary E. Mirda, Mesa, Ariz.; Marjorie Cross and her husband Reed, Erie; Patricia A. McDannel, DuBois, Pa.; and Virginia M. Filer, Grove City; two brothers, Joseph E. Filer and his wife Virginia, Grove City; and David J. Filer and his wife Doris, Sandy Lake; a sister-in-law, Sarah Filer, Grove City; and a brother-in-law, Michael Messina, Harrisville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Merle E. Filer; a sister, Judith A. Messina; and two brothers-in-law, George Mirda and John McDannel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tower Presbyterian Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, PA 16127; or Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 1965 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148.

FILER

Robert L., 86, of 704 Tidball Ave., Grove City.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (11-1-09) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

Service: Funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Monday (11-2-09) in the funeral home with the Rev. John W. Culp, pastor of Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City, officiating.