Rev. Robert G. Kaltenbaugh

KALTENBAUGH, Rev. Robert Glenn, 77, of Johnstown, passed away April 19, 2024, at home. Born May 7, 1946, in Johnstown, the son of Glenn W., Sr. and Anna S. (Foltin) Kaltenbaugh. Preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Glenn Kaltenbaugh, James Komar, Joseph Komar, John Komar, and Jerome Komar. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, tyna (Pazzynski) Kaltenbaugh, children Avril Suzanne Luongo, married to Jeremiah (Seattle, WA), Gretel Emily Kaltenbaugh (South Fork, PA), Curtis John Kaltenbaugh and partner Natalia Simone (Winnipeg, MB), and Ashok Salwan Kaltenbaugh, (Winnipeg, MB), grandchildren Autumn and Adhira (Winnipeg, MB), brother Donald Kaltenbaugh, married to Franzine (Enterprise, AL), and the world’s nicest, bestest cat, Cookie (Johnstown, PA).  He was beloved “Uncle Bob” to many nieces and nephews.

Pastor Bob was a true home-town boy, born and raised in Johnstown, as well as a respected spiritual and social member of communities throughout Pennsylvania. After graduating from Johnstown High School, Class of ’64 (Go Trojans!) Bob worked summers at Bethlehem Steel and served one tour in the US Navy.  He then attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he met his beloved tyna.  In 1969, Bob and tyna married and started their family, and Bob started his “first” career at the Hiram G. Andrews Rehabilitation Center in Johnstown, PA.  Six short years later, Bob received his calling.  Bob and tyna moved with their two small daughters to the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, where Bob studied from 1975 through 1979. Pastor Bob’s first parish was Trinity Lutheran Church in Avis, PA, where he served from 1979 through 1982.  During their time in Avis, Bob and tyna opened their home and hearts, and adopted their two sons from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, completing the family.  Bob was then called to St. Mark’s and St. John’s in Elysburg, PA, from 1982 through 1985.  Pastor Bob then returned to his hometown to serve at Zion Lutheran Church from 1985 through 1988, and then at St. John’s Slovak Lutheran in Kernville and Trinity in Spangler from 1989 to 1997.  In 1997, he moved to Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Reading, PA, which he led for 14 years. His calling then took him to Sullivan County, PA, serving the Shepherd of the Hills parish from 2011 through 2014, before he returned home to Johnstown for the last time.   Upon returning to Johnstown, Pastor Bob served as Interim and Supply Pastor to several parishes throughout Cambria and Somerset Counties until 2023.  By the time Pastor Bob retired, he had served in some capacity at all three downtown Johnstown Lutheran parishes (Zion, St. John’s, First Lutheran).

Pastor Bob’s commitment to his community was exemplified in 1993 when the YWCA presented him with the “Honor The Man” award in recognition of his service in the Johnstown community.

Pastor Bob loved traveling to see friends and family, in Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, New Orleans, Seattle, and Canada. He developed close to ties to international spiritual communities by serving as a supervisor and mentor for aspiring Slovakian vicars.  Pastor Bob spent many summers at several church camps, serving as chaplain, counselor, and board member, as well as living as a camper, at Nawakwa, Bear Creek, and Sequanota Lutheran camps, using his mad guitar skills to entertain countless campers and staff.  Over the years, Pastor Bob mentored numerous pastors, veterans, and church and community members.  In recent years Bob served as a volunteer Veterans Court mentor, acting as an advocate and ally to veterans navigating through treatment, the Veterans Court, and the VA system.

Bob was an ardent fan of the Steelers and Pirates, experiencing their joys and heartbreaks as if he were part of the team.  He brought this passion, good humor, and heartbreak to his bridge clubs, where he excelled at winning with kindness, and losing with grace. 

Bob was optimistic about every person he met, and was always willing to give financial, spiritual, and physical assistance to anyone who needed it (and even to those who never asked).  It is unusual to walk through town without finding someone to share a story about the impact that Bob Kaltenbaugh has had on their life. 

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine Street Johnstown, PA 15901. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to either Camp Sequanota at  https://sequanota.com or the Lutheran World Relief at https://lwr.org/ in memory of Rev. Kaltenbaugh.

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