Robert ‘Bob’ Lecocq

1955-2024

Robert “Bob” Joseph Lecocq, 69, went Home to be with his Heavenly Father, on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Bob was born August 9, 1955, the oldest of three children, to Robert and Rosetta Lecocq. Bob was raised in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. At Valley High School, he played football and was the president of the Vocation Industrial Club of America. When Bob was a teenager, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was forever changed. Bob enjoyed serving his community at his parents’ ministry, Lazarus Tomb Coffeehouse. Upon graduating from Valley High School in 1973, Bob attended Central Bible College and pursued a degree in Christian Education. While at college, Bob fell head over heels for a beautiful girl named Debbie. Bob and Debbie married in 1976 and would have three children, Joseph, Maria, and Anthony.

Bob and Debbie served in ministry for 46 years. They began their ministry as youth pastors in St. Clair Shores, Michigan and continued in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. While working towards a Masters in Communication at Missouri State University, he served as the Christian Service Director for his alma mater, Central Bible College. Bob’s calling then led him to pastoral leadership in Lakewood and Salem, Ohio, Wauchula, Fla. and Lower Burrell, Pa., where his legacy was in “sharing with you, not only the Gospel but his life as well.” His ministry impact was extended through global outreach to England, West Africa, Jamaica, Bulgaria, Russia, and Morocco.

Bob had a passion for learning and for teaching. He spent years teaching at Central Bible College, Kent State University, Southeastern University, South Florida Community College, Valencia College, and Columbia College. He also spent time investing in future ministers as the Founding Dean of Penn-Del School of Ministry. Bob was a proud, longtime member of the Rotary Club and served as President of the Salem Community Center. Upon retiring, Bob and Debbie moved to Florida and filled their days with sunshine, pickle ball, golf cart cruises, traveling and delighting in the Lord.

Those who knew Bob will attest to his love for God, his family, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bob had a larger than life personality, making friends everywhere he went. Throughout their lives, his children would meet people all over the world who would ask, “Are you related to Bob Lecocq?” Bob loved family gatherings at Orange Lake Country Club, where he would host a party for all the extended family, including a parade and a limbo contest.

Bob’s greatest joy in life was being “Papa” to his six grandchildren. He loved making special memories with his grandchildren, such as taking them for donuts, wrestling, throwing toy airplanes off of buildings, and reading them “George the Pig.”

Bob is preceded in death by his father, Robert G. Lecocq. He leaves behind his loving wife, Debbie Lecocq, three children, Joseph (Jessica) Lecocq, Maria (Steve) Gocke, and Anthony (Kandace) Lecocq. Bob will be forever missed by his grandchildren, Luca Rose Lecocq, Beau Lecocq, Silas Gocke, Alexander Gocke, Saja Lecocq, and Miriam Gold Lecocq. Bob also leaves behind his mother, Rosetta Lecocq, and his siblings, Patty (Michael) Wilson and Lance (Lorie) Lecocq.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Bob’s life with a viewing on Friday, November 1, from 5-8 p.m. at Ross Walker Funeral Home, 217 Freeport Rd, New Kensington, Pa. 15068. A funeral service will be held at 11a.m., Saturday, November 2 at Evangel Heights Church, 120 Beale Rd, Sarver, Pa. 16055, followed by a luncheon on site.

Flowers may be sent to Ross Walker Funeral Home, or contributions in Bob’s memory gifted to the “Lazarus Tomb Coffeehouse Endowment” via www.evangel.edu/advancement, Fund E10132, through which annual scholarships are given to Evangel University ministry students, with an emphasis on serving inner cities.

Condolences may be sent to family at 504 Murano Drive, Kissimmee, Fla. 34759.

10/26/24