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BRIDGES ROBERT J. BOB P.E. Our incredibly beloved father, husband, brother, Pop Pop, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2017, with his family at his side, surrounding him with love. A man of quiet, gentle strength, deep humility, sharp wit, and a warm and caring soul, Bob was born in 1937 to Mae (Armour) Bridges and Joseph Paul Bridges, in Upper St. Clair, PA, where he enjoyed a very happy childhood with his sister, Patty and his brother, Paul. As a boy, Bob was heavily involved with The Boy Scouts of America and took great pride in earning the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout. Bob graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School and went on to earn an engineering degree from West Virginia University, where he was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. Not long after, Bob met the love of his life, Joan (Stein) Bridges, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Bob and Joan lived loyal to one another and to the vows they exchanged on a warm summer day in 1964. They enjoyed any time they spent together, but most especially their days at Chaudiere Lodge in Ontario, Canada, flying down the French River to their favorite shore lunch spot. During their years together, Bob and Joan raised three children, Beth, Brad, and Kirk, who adored their father for the unconditional love he gave to them unceasingly. Bob worked for many years as a civil engineer for the Mellon Stuart Construction Co. and eventually fulfilled a lifelong dream to become his own boss and run a business built on integrity. Bob formed R.J. Bridges Corporation in 1984, a manufacturers' rep company, selling into the commercial construction industry. He ran the business singlehandedly with help from his wife, until 1991, when his son, Brad joined him and helped to grow the company. In 2001, it was named to the Top 100 list of Fastest Growing Small Businesses in the city of Pittsburgh. While Bob loved his work, he also valued giving back, which led him to become a Rotarian with the Bethel-Mt. Lebanon Rotary Club, serving as President for a year, and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Bower Hill Community Church was another place where he gave of his time and his heart, serving as a deacon, elder, and usher. There was nothing that fed his soul more than standing waist high in a rushing stream, patiently waiting to catch a plump trout or small-mouth bass. The quiet, natural surroundings, and the challenge of the catch brought him immeasurable joy. Our father was a man who didn't need much to be happy and wasn't impressed by things. He was a man who loved people and experiences above all else, and being with his family and friends was enough. He left behind an incredible legacy of love that will live on in all of us. Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Beth (Bill), Brad (Heather), and Kirk; sister, Patty (Roger) Dolanch; his brother, Paul (Ann); and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Charlotte, Maggie, Abigail, and Anna. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at BEINHAUER FUNERAL HOME, in McMurray, PA. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Bower Hill Community Church in Mt. Lebanon, PA, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would be most appreciative of donations to either the Alzheimer's Association of America or Bower Hill Community Church. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
