09/30/2025
A friend to all at the Mifflin County Airport will be greatly missed. Rest easy, sir.
Lewistown, PA - MCCAA - Robert T. "Bob" "Mac," of 820 West Fifth Street, Lewistown, PA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. Bob was born in Altoona, PA, on March 8, 1943, to Robert F. and Helen E. (Beck) McCaa of Gallitzin, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Therese M. (Lenz) McCaa. Bob is survived by his children: Mary H. Lyter, of Milroy, PA, and Robert R. McCaa, and wife, Danielle, of Frederick, MD; his cherished grandchildren; Samuel Lyter, Axel McCaa, and Bonnie McCaa; siblings: Paul, and wife Diane (Magyar), of Bangor, PA; Thomas, and companion Linda Thumm, of Pennsburg, PA; Francis, and wife Betty (Leighty), of Williamsburg, PA; and Theresa, and husband Joseph Wilson, of Ebensburg, PA; many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a far-reaching circle of friends and colleagues. From a young age, Bob was well-known for his mechanical aptitude and interest in airplanes. After graduating from Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona in 1961, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a radio instructor in Mississippi and a ground radio repairman with Strategic Air Defense in Alaska. Upon returning home, Bob worked at Farrell's Radio and Television repair in Altoona, and became active in the local fire service. In 1978, Bob became a resident instructor at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in Lewistown, where he spent the following 25 years teaching students at the local, regional, state, and national levels until his retirement in 2003. Bob was a life member and past fire chief of Gallitzin Volunteer Fire Company, serving in that capacity as had his father (Robert F.) and grandfather (Robert B.). While in the USAF in Mississippi, Bob served as an engineer with the Dieberville Volunteer Fire Company. He was also a past member of Station 8, Harrisburg Fire Department, in Harrisburg, PA, a member of the Fame Fire Company, the United Fire and Rescue Services, and the Junction Fire Company in Lewistown, and served as the chief of Lewistown Fire Department from 1992 to 2013. Bob belonged to the Cambria County Firemen's Association, the Central District Firemen's Association, and the Pennsylvania State Firemen's Association. He was also one of the original members of Pennsylvania's FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, PA-TF1 and proudly responded with PA-TF1 to the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Bob was also an amateur radio operator (K3LPH) and built and flew radio-controlled airplanes. He served as the president of the Lewistown Area Radio Control Society. At the age of 63, Bob fulfilled a lifelong dream to earn his pilot's license. He took to the skies in experimental Ultralight and Light Sport aircraft, which he also enjoyed dismantling and rebuilding. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Quiet Birdmen Society. Bob also enjoyed playing ragtime piano and was fascinated by the mechanics of calliopes, band organs, and player pianos. He also collected and restored antique Whizzer Motorbikes. Bob was also known for his keen wit and lively sense of humor, which manifested itself in the telling of many a colorful story and mischievous pranks played on unsuspecting individuals. Bob was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Lewistown, and St. Demetrius Parish in Gallitzin.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at St. Demetrius Church, 811 Church St., Gallitzin, PA 16641, by Monsignor William Glosser, a longtime friend and fellow Pennsylvania state fire instructor, with committal at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Gallitzin. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the King-Barr Funeral Home, 120 Logan Street, Lewistown, and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at the Gibbons-Houser Funeral Home, 301 Church St, Gallitzin, PA 16641. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lewistown Firemen's Relief Association.
