Robert “Pete” LeCerf, 87, of Sewickley, passed away on September 2, 2024 comfortably at home surrounded by family. He was born on August 26, 1937 in Sewickley, a son of the late Louis LeCerf and Susan Bonder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Deborah, Henry and Lewis, brother in-law Steve Wesolowski and daughter Donna Jean. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sandra LeCerf, his sister Patricia “Pat” Wesolowski, brother Joseph Paul LeCerf (Patty LeCerf), son Donnie Lane (Beth Lane), daughters Audry Miller (Bill Miller) and Susan Wood, grandchildren Billy and Molly Miller, Jonathan and Rachelle Taylor, Lucas Miller, Billy Heslop, Donnie Lane, Katie Lane, Tori Wood and 9 great grandchildren, Peyton, Abigale “Abby”, Adilyn, Michael, Boe, William, Tyler, Emerson and Elaina, extended family, as well as many friends. He spent his early childhood years growing up in Fair Oaks, Pennsylvania alongside his siblings Patricia “Pat”, Deborah, Henry, Joseph “Joe” and Louie and hunting and fishing with his dad and Uncle Henry. He was inspired by his dad, who served in the Navy, and at a young age he enrolled in the United States Marine Core. He served for 4 years as an aviation ordnance man and was honorably discharged in 1959. He remained in the Marine Core Reserves until 1963. After the military, he started his career with Conrail Railroad Corporation, starting as a conductor and retired as a railroad controlling operator in 2001. During his time with Conrail, he had the opportunity to work alongside his dad (Conrail Engineer) and his brother Joe (Conrail conductor) who also retired from Conrail. Outside of work he had a passion and respect for hunting, fishing, archery, ammunition, firearms, working on cars and boats, gardening, and hiking. He regularly spent time in Olcott, New York with friends and family fishing on his boat the “OlJammer” at Lake Ontario, hunting deer, turkey, and boar during bow and open season, and packaging his own ammunition. Over the years, he developed lifelong friendships through these hobbies; Lida Joe Waggoner, Mac McKendry, Mikey Metro, Rege Gellio, Stucky and Tony Palmer to name just a few. While he and his friends enjoyed bonding over these hobbies, they were also known to have a good time at the local bar and take spontaneous midnight fishing trips. While they always stayed out of trouble, there may or may not have been some close calls and a missing camper. He achieved many things in his lifetime, which speaks to his focus and determination to the people and things he loved. As a husband and father, he juggled a career, family, house responsibilities and his hobbies. He regularly participated in fishing and bow competitions, he achieved the telescoping “Robin Hood” archery shot, and was regularly asked to captain boats for competitive fishermen. As time passed, he traded more and more time spent with hobbies for time spent with family. He regularly spent time traveling to see kids and grandkids in other states and spent more time on home improvement projects. He continued to regularly take time to walk the streets of Sewickley, at times walking 5 miles a day and trained for a 2-mile run for his 70th birthday, which he accomplished. He continued his walks and chats with neighbors until only months before he passed. He is remembered by his family as a man who worked hard, played hard, and always stood up for what he believed to be right. His legacy of a life well lived will carry on through his committed wife, devoted children, and adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all who loved him. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday, September 8 from 12:00 P.M. until the time of funeral service at 4:00 P.M. in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.
Robert “Pete” LeCerf (1937-2024)
