Robert Phillip Sterner

Robert P. “Duke” Sterner, 92, of New Oxford, loving husband of Grace E. Hemler Sterner, entered into God’s eternal care on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Cross Keys Village—The Brethren Home Community following a period of declining health.

Born on February 10, 1920 in Hanover, he was the only child of the late Harry P. and Grace G. Jacoby Sterner. He served in the United States Army for four years during World War II, earning four bronze stars, and was employed by Eicholtz Office Equipment for nearly 60 years, servicing typewriters for many in the community.

Mr. Sterner was a local musician, playing the bass and acoustic guitars and later the bass fiddle in the Lyric Band, the Club Royal Band and other combos in the area. He was a past member of the Musicians Local Union 49 and formed the band, the Mellotones. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed both hunting and fishing and also traveling with his wife along the states of the Eastern Shoreline.

In addition to his wife of almost 65 years, he is survived by a daughter, Vicki J. Kenney and her husband, William, of East Berlin; a son, Michael R. Sterner and his wife, Joanne, of Abbottstown; three grandchildren, Doug Docimo, Nicole Kellar and Danielle Houseal; and four great-granddaughters, Taylor Docimo, Marley Kellar, and Jennifer and Sarah Dewberry.

The funeral will be held at 10 am Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Panebaker Funeral Home, Inc., 311 Broadway, Hanover with Deacon Joseph Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow in St. Vincent Cemetery with military graveside rites being rendered by The Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at a viewing from 6 to 8 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund, Cross Keys Village—The Brethren Home Community, 2990 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford, PA 17350.



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