Robert I. Shirk

Robert I. Shirk, 88, of Akron, formerly of Terre Hill passed away on Wednesday, February 15 at Ephrata Hospital while with his daughter. Robert joins his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth (Shilling). Born in New Holland, he was the son of the late Eli and Ruth (Marshall) Shirk. Robert retired in 1986 from Trojan Boat Co. in Lancaster. He attended Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Philadelphia and was a member of Keystone Senior Citizens and also Tioga hunting cabin. He enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time at the Pocono and Tioga cabin. Surviving are his daughters Roberta, married to Jon Winkelspecht of Akron with whom he resided and Elizabeth, married to Michael Panarella of Medford, NJ; two sons Lance, married to Sandra (Witmer) Shirk of Willow Street and John married to Tamara (Heidlauf) Shirk of Ephrata; 14 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; a brother Harrison Shirk of New Holland and a sister Ruth Atkinson of Ephrata. Preceding him in death are two brothers Dale and Gilbert. His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 18 at 2 PM at the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, 209 E. Main St., Terre Hill with Pastor Russell Rockwell officiating. Interment will be in Terre Hill Cemetery. A viewing will be held at Eckenroth’s on Saturday from 1 – 2 PM. Online condolences may be posted on our website, www.groffeckenroth.com.