Robert Schmidt
Uniontown
July 5, 1944 –
October 30, 2025
Robert Schmidt, spouse of Elizabeth “Betty” Schmidt and affectionately known across Uniontown as “Bob Sunoco,” went home to his Lord Thursday, October 30, 2025. Born in McKees Rocks July 5, 1944, Bob was a son of the late Julius and Mary Sivy Schmidt.
Bob was a proud graduate of Uniontown High School, Class of 1962.
After graduation, he worked at Lockheed Corporation and the Clairton Steel Mill before answering a calling that would shape his life and community. In 1970, Bob opened Bob’s Sunoco on Route 40 in Uniontown – a legendary local station where countless friendships were formed, stories were told (many more than 10 dozen times), and everyone received a laugh, a helping hand, and a greeting from one of his loyal German shepherds.
He operated the station until 2007 and later continued serving the community through B&B Auto Sales & Towing alongside his wife Betty, retiring in 2021.
Bob proudly served in the United States Army, including combat in Vietnam. As a final act of service, Bob donated organs through the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System and the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) to help other veterans in need.
He was a member of the VFW, American Legion Post 51, Elks, and numerous social clubs. Later in life, Bob found meaning supporting fellow veterans through Vietnam Veteran support groups. He was also a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown.
Bob’s love for his family and community was matched only by his love for animals – especially the German shepherds who protected both his business and his heart: Duchess, Kizzy, Choco, Angel, Prince, and Jr. In later years, he traded shepherds for “lap dogs,” proudly chauffeuring Boomer I, Boomer II, and his grand-dog Gretchen around town in a tow truck.
His love of all things related to cars also extended to NHRA racing and formerly owning Fairmont Raceway in Fairmont, W.Va.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Julius “James” Schmidt; sister, Catherine “Kitty” Popovich; brother-in-law, Frank Popovich; stepmother, Betty Coldren Schmidt; his first wife and mother of his daughters, Patty McManus Grimm; former in-laws, Tom and Phyllis McManus, whom he loved as his own parents; and dear friend, Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. John J. Arminas.
Left to honor his legacy and carry forward his stories and “short cuts” (which were anything but short) are his wife of 38 years, Betty Rocco Schmidt; daughters, Tricia (Larry) Sabatula, and Trinette (Adam) Cunningham; his beloved grandchildren, Joshua Sabatula, Jenna (Matt) Whyel, Jillian Sabatula, Jakob Sabatula, Jackson Sabatula, and Maggie Rose Cunningham; and great-grandson and best little buddy, Finley Reese Whyel.
He is also survived by sister-in-law, Alice Schmidt; brother-in-law, Chuck (Joanne) Rocco; several nieces and nephews, including special niece Sonya (Tom) Cofone; and special great-nephews, Dylan and Jordan; and countless friends who became family.
Friends will be received from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, 1189 National Pike, Hopwood, where additional visitation will be held Wednesday, November 5, from 9 until departure for the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 50 Jefferson Street, Uniontown, PA 15401, with Father Anthony Klimko officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. St. Macrina Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Fayette Friends of Animals, Keeping the Faith Animal Shelter, or the Wounded Warrior Project.