Lebanon County PA Archives Obituaries.....Lilarose, Robert R. May 12, 2008 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sharon Miller Shabodeho@aol.com May 18, 2008, 12:28 am Published in the Lebanon Daily News on 5/16/2008 Lilarose, Robert R. Robert R. Lilarose, 69, local musician and entertainer, unexpectedly passed away on May 12 during an evening performance in Ocean City, Maryland. He was the husband of Diane E. (Hoyer) Lilarose, with whom they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14, 2008. Born December 7, 1938, in Reading, he was the son of the late Harold A. and Pearl E. (Hartman) Lilarose. He was a graduate of Reading High School, class of 1956, and served in the U.S. Army. Bobby began playing the accordion professionally at age 15 at the Moose Home in Waynesboro, Pa. He was also a prominent accordion, organ and piano teacher, a major part of his life. Bobby played thousands of shows for all kinds of audiences and locations over his career, including conventions, fairs, trade shows, ethnic festivals, clubs and resorts throughout the United States and Canada. His "act" (a one man musical comedy show) was discovered by a talent scout for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, who thought he would be a perfect act for the ships and became one of the line's "All Stars" for over 5 years. Bobby played over 600 cruises, which took him, and many times his family, all over the world. An avid and active theater pipe organ enthusiast, he was a member of the Theater Organ Society of Delaware, the Susquehanna Valley Theater Organ Society, and an honorary member of the Freestate Organ Society. He loved performing, and his music enriched the lives of all who knew him. Bobby was an active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Shillington, Pa. He was also a member of Chandler Lodge No. 227 F. & A.M. Also surviving are two daughters, Robin R. Lilarose of Sinking Spring and Sherry L. Rust, wife of Wayne K. (Chip) Rust of Bethlehem, Pa. There are also three grandchildren, Jordan M. Romero, Adam K. Rust and Courtney L. Rust. A "Joyful Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held for Bobby on Saturday, May 31, at 1 p.m. in Immanuel UCC, Shillington. Masonic services will be conducted by Chandler Lodge No. 227 following the service. The family will receive friends in fellowship hall after the Masonic service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Immanuel UCC Music Ministries, 99 South Waverly Street, Shillington, PA 19607; or the Reading Musical Foundation, P. O. Box 14835, Reading, PA 19612-4835, where a scholarship for aspiring young musicians will be established in Bobby's name. Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Shillington, is in charge of arrangements Published in the Lebanon Daily News on 5/16/2008. This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/pafiles/ File size: 3.1 Kb