Robert McCutcheon, WA3IJC of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Robert “Bob” K. McCutcheon, 91, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 26, 1934, in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, Bob was the only son of the late Clyde Obadiah and Nellie Marie (Barker) McCutcheon. From a young age, Bob displayed a deep curiosity about how things worked and a natural talent with his hands-traits that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Grove City College in 1955 with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a field that suited both his intellect and his steady, thoughtful nature. After college, Bob was drafted into the United States Army, where he served with honor as an electrical engineer at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Following his military service, he returned home and began a long and rewarding career with Bell Telephone Company (now Verizon), where he worked until his retirement. He was a proud member of Bell’s Pioneers Club, a group that specialized in radio advertising for the company-an ideal fit for Bob, who had a lifelong interest in communications and technology. Bob was also a licensed Ham Radio Operator and loved the sense of community and connection it brought. His passion for radio extended beyond hobby regularly engaging with friends and acquaintances near and far through the Ham radio system. Bob will forever be known by his Ham radio call letters WA3IJC. Somewhere along the journey of young adulthood, Bob met the woman who would become his life partner-Jane Walker. They married on August 29, 1959, and together built a home filled with love, warmth, and deep devotion. Over their 65 years of marriage, they raised two children and welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating a legacy of kindness, faith, and family. Bob was a gifted woodcarver. His home was filled with pieces that he spent hours diligently creating reflected his artistry and patience. He found joy in shaping things with his hands-whether wood, ideas, or relationships. His deep faith was central to who he was. For many decades, Bob was an active and dedicated member of Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg. He sang in the choir for 38 years and gave generously of his time to church programs and outreach. He also served in the Lower Paxton Lions Club for 55 years joining in 1970, where he held several leadership roles including President and Secretary contributing to projects that helped strengthen his community. During his tenure Bob was presented with the Lion of the Year award in 1984 and 1996 and the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2022. Bob’s quiet strength, warm smile, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was a loving husband, a steady and supportive father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a faithful friend. He lived a life full of purpose, grounded in service, creativity, and care for others. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane (Walker) McCutcheon; his son, John R. McCutcheon and wife Nancy of Cumberland, Rhode Island; his daughter, Jean Schmier and husband Aaron of Olney, Maryland; grandchildren, Jaime, Jacob, Sarah, and Timothy; great-grandchildren, Owen, Adeline, and Henry; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Alma, Helen, and Marilyn. Services will be held on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at Pine Street Presbyterian Church. A public visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Stuart Seelman. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Program at Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg or to Grove City College, in honor of Bob’s lifelong love of music, faith, and education.