Dr. Robert A. Armstrong

Dr. Robert A. Armstrong, 71, of Clarion, passed away surrounded by his loving family Saturday evening, December 7, 2024 at the Butler Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on March 24, 1953 in Cheverly, Maryland to the late Robert and Betty Thomas Armstrong. After sustaining a tear to his rotator cuff in high school, Bob took a special interest in sports medicine and orthopedics. In pursuit of his passion, he graduated from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre and Rowan University, formerly known as the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey, and then completed his orthopedic residency at Cooper University Health Care in Camden, New Jersey. Bob eventually found himself working as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Clarion where he met the love of his life, Brenda J. LaVan Armstrong, and was married on September 29, 1989. Bob successfully performed countless surgeries throughout his career, and his tireless efforts would culminate in improved quality of life for many patients in the area. He preferred winter over summer, old over new, and time over money. Bob enjoyed a good book, short lift lines at the ski mountain, classic cars, routine coffee and lunch dates with friends, doctoring the Wild Cats on Friday nights, and most of all, time spent with his loved ones. In addition to his loving wife, Bob is survived by his children, Micah McElhattan and his wife, Sarah, of Knox, Tara Steele of Clarion, Lewis Armstrong and his wife, Chelsea, of Shippenville, and TJ Armstrong and his wife, Hayley, also of Shippenville; along with 9 grandchildren who he adored deeply. He is also survived by his brother, Scott Armstrong and his wife, Helene, of Great Meadows, New Jersey; along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dick and Marie LaVan and his brother-in-law, Ken Snyder. Family and friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion. Additional viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Cornerstone Church of Clarion, 3655 East End Road, Shippenville, PA 16254, where funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Josh Easlon presiding. Interment will take place in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Clarion Area High School, 219 Liberty Street, Clarion, PA 16214, in care of the Central Clarion Wildcats Football Boosters or Clarion Bobcat Ski Club written on the envelope, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Dr. Robert A. Armstrong

March 24, 1953 - December 7, 2024