Robert "Bob" J. Vanicek

Robert “Bob” James Vanicek, 65, was given the gift of going home to the Lord on his birthday, September 29, 2025.

He was born in Erie, to the late Vincent and Martha (Jones) Vanicek.

Bob attended Girard High School, graduating in 1978, and also studied at Erie County Technical School during that time. Following high school, he entered the workforce as a toolmaker at Matrix Tool, Inc. and at Tetra Tool, Inc. In 1984, he opened his own tool and die shop, Bob Vanicek’s Precision Machining Company, alongside his father. Bob took great pride in his craftsmanship, was a true master of his trade, and faithfully operated his shop until the time of his passing.

A passionate outdoorsman, Bob loved hunting especially "wabbit" and fishing. His devotion to hunting took him on expeditions to Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. He also had a deep love for animals and cared for many over the years, including dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, and even deer. Bob was well-known for his warm, social nature and his gift for storytelling, especially sharing the tale of the “Gudgeonville Wood Cutting Union 101.” Among his fondest memories were repairing the clock in the Girard Methodist Church and helping Fuhrman’s Cider Mill reopen by restoring the apple press so cider could once again be made. He was also an active member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Girard.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Vanicek; his father- and mother-in-law, Theodore and Roena Alward; his brother-in-law, Mark Alward; and his stepmother, Lois Vanicek.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife, Suzanne (Alward) Vanicek; his daughter, Sarah Vanicek, and his "future son-in-law" Cameron Eaton; his sister, Nancy Schaaf (Tim); his brother, Richard Vanicek (Heidi); his sister-in-law, Robin Vanicek; his brother-in-law, Theodore Alward (Doreen); and his grandson, Michael Robert Eaton. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends who visited Bob during his final days, to the VNA Hospice team-especially nurses Amy, Leslie, Tracy, and Stacy-and to the staff of The Residence at Presque Isle Bay for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste. 550, Chicago, IL 60631, or online at American Brain Tumor Association - Donate.

Friends may call on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Edder Family Funeral Home LLC, 309 Main Street East, Girard, PA 16417. Prayers before Mass will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 1001 Main St. E, Girard, PA 16417. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery.

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