Robert "Welfare Bob" Max Strait

Robert Max Strait

Robert M. Strait, 72, of Athens, PA, affectionately known to many as “Welfare Bob”, was born in Cedar Rapids, IA on November 19, 1951.

He passed away at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA on Monday, May 20, 2024, due to complications stemming from influenza A.

His sudden passing leaves a wake of heartbreak and sadness for his family, friends, and all who were blessed by his unending humor, wit, kindness, and shenanigans. Bob was truly one of a kind and to say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. If you are a waitress in the area, you’ve probably heard: “This is the worst peanut butter and jelly sandwich I’ve ever had” (after he ordered a steak) or you heard how he needs to borrow ten dollars and collects welfare in three states (a jab at the flawed system) as he leaves a generous tip, pays for someone else’s meal, leaves his signature “Welfare Bob” cards or ink pens, then drives away in his Porsche.

Despite his claims to the contrary, he was one of the hardest working individuals you’d ever meet. He was a U.S. Marine electrician, who served during Vietnam and worked on fighter jets as a part of the VMA-311 Tomcats. Bob was known for his many years of service at Eastern Penn Supply Company but he was also previously an emergency first responder, and volunteer firefighter. Bob loved his community and was always available to donate his time to benefits, fundraisers, parades, and anywhere he was needed.

The night before his passing, Bob was sharing with his son that he was scheduled to participate in the Memorial Day Parade, so he needed to be in and out of the hospital. To honor his dad’s commitment, Kyle will drive Bob’s Porsche carrying the Poppy Girl and her escort in his place.

Outside of work, Bob enjoyed coffee, fishing, napping, coin collecting, and visiting his family and friends.

Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Becky Strait; grandchildren, Elena and Trenton Strait; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Arnie Westervelt; nephew, David Boston, niece, Karen Boston, and best friend of 44 years, Jeff Curren.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Corl.

A friend said it perfectly that his cards say: “Welfare Bob, I don’t do anything important”, yet he did all the important things. He was an incredible father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was quick with a joke or a story to lighten the mood. He loved with his whole heart and engaged with the world, bringing laughter and fun wherever he went. He always made time to visit and show kindness to others, lending a hand wherever and whenever he could. His infectious spirit and love of life showed through with all the little quirks and antics he shared with us along the way.

A time of visitation for friends and family will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 11 am -1 pm at Lowery-Urban Funeral Home, 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the funeral home 1 pm.

Bob’s checks have not come in yet, so if you have his $10, it is no longer needed. Please honor him by stopping at one of his favorite diners, and pay it forward by taking care of someone else’s meal, and be sure to let them know it is from “WELFARE BOB.”

The gig is up Bob, we know that you did EVERYTHING that's important and our lives are better and brighter because of it.

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