Robert E. Blough

Robert E. Blough, 84, of Dillsburg, passed away on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg. 

     He was born Sunday, February 2nd, 1941, in Johnstown, PA the son of the late Robert N. and Mary (Barkhymer) Blough.

     Robert was married to Marlene E. (Fogle) Blough at St. John's (Franklin) United Church of Christ in Dillsburg, PA on May 29th, 1963 and celebrated 62 years of marriage.

     He was a graduate of Johnstown High School and Cambria Rowe Business School in Johnstown, PA. Robert spent his career in data processing at the Air Force Base, Middletown, the Army Depot, New Cumberland and the Navy Supply Depot, Mechanicsburg.  His work consisted of design and development for navy supply computer systems and required traveling to navy supply depots and naval air stations in the continental U.S. and the Pacific. Robert retired in September of 1994 from the Fleet Material Supply Office, Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA. 

     Robert was an avid hunter and fishermen and after 59 years of hunting his persistence and patience paid off by bagging a wall hanging 10 point buck. He also enjoyed woodworking and he made several pieces of furniture for family and friends. 

     He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Church of God in Dillsburg.  Robert was also involved in scouting as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Committee Chairman.  He spent many nights at scout camp as an adult leader for the scout troop. As a youth, he was a Boy Scout and was elected into the Order of the Arrow. He passed the love of scouting onto his children with his sons both earning Eagle Scout Awards and his daughter earning Girl Scout's Gold Award. 

     Robert was a past member of the Middletown Moose and West Shore Elks.

     After vacationing in Hawaii and Alaska, Robert and Marlene decided upon their retirement to buy a motor home and continue to travel to the remainder of the 50 U.S. States and parts of Canada. They became members of the Good Sam Camping Club and traveled extensively by motor home, eventually fulfilling the dream of visiting ALL 50 states in the US, parts of Canada and obtaining many wonderful friends along the way. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2014, they had to give up traveling and sold the motor home.

     Robert always saw the good in people and had a love for talking which showed by how he could hold a conversation with strangers, especially during their travels. 

     He is survived by two sons, Michael E. Blough (Julia Hobart) of Allentown, David A. Blough (Shelly) of Mountville; one daughter, Michelle E. Hain (Russel) of Waynesboro; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Marlene E. Blough, his sister Emma Jean Harrison, and his brother Allen Blough. 

     Services and burial will be held at the convenience of  the family in the Dillsburg Cemetery-Mountain Road. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church, Mt. Pleasant Church of God, 146 South York Road, Dillsburg, PA 17019.