PORTER TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A New Bethlehem man died Saturday afternoon after falling into a spring water reservoir, authorities said.
Rescues crews were dispatched around 2:10 p.m. for a high-angle rescue along Champion Road.
New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company, Limestone Volunteer Fire Department, Distant Volunteer Fire Department, Clarion Hospital EMS, and Clarion-based State Police responded to the scene.
Clarion County Coroner Terry Shaffer told exploreClarion.com that 63-year-old Robert “Bob” Weaver, of New Bethlehem, was cleaning out a shallow spring water reservoir that was dug into a hillside when he leaned into it and fell.
The reservoir is about five feet deep, Shaffer said.
According to Shaffer, Weaver’s wife, Patricia, was looking for him and found him in the reservoir.
“The fire and ambulance service was of great assistance during this tragic accident,” added Shaffer.
Shaffer ruled the incident as an accidental death by drowning.
Born October 2, 1953, in Brookville, Bob was a son of the late Ronald E. and Lenora A. Reitz Weaver.
He was a 1971 graduate of Redbank Valley High School
Upon graduating high school, Bob began a 10 year career working for his father at W and M Coal Company. He eventually became a mold machine repairman for Berry Plastics (formerly Owens-Brockway Glass Container) in Brookville.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; three sons: Wade Weaver of New Bethlehem; Tyler Weaver and friend, Allison Kemmer, of Fairmount City; and Cameran Weaver and his wife, Michelle, of Sligo; and three grandsons: Robby, Brenden, and Matthew.
Bob is also survived by a brother and three sisters: Kenneth Weaver and wife, Pat, of New Bethlehem; Karen Minnich of Strattanville; Janice Welsh and husband, Larry, of LaPorte, Indiana; and Rhonda Henry and husband, Bob, of Limestone.
Family and friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service Chapel located at 233 Penn Street, New Bethlehem.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at the St. Charles Catholic Church located at 201 Washington Street, New Bethlehem, with Father Samuel Bungo, parish priest, serving as Celebrant. Interment will follow at the St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in New Bethlehem.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in the name of Robert Ray Weaver to the St. Charles Catholic Cemetery Fund, 201 Washington Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242 or to your local fire department.
Bob’s full obituary is available here.
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