Robert Rager

ROBERT  PAUL  RAGER

Bob Rager, age 67 of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.  He was born on March 2, 1951 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania one of two children of Alexander Francis Rager and Rosemarie (Wieczenski) Rager and grew up in the Munhall, Pennsylvania area.

He was preceded in death by his parents.  He was married to the love of his life, Debra Leigh “Dee” (Seliy) Rager for 37 years; the most loving father to Alexis (Matt) Rossi of Bradenton, Florida and Emily (Gennady Geskin) Rager of Pittsburgh and the best PapPap to his grandson, Colton.  Bob was a big brother to his sister, Ann (Jim) Smith of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania and uncle to Jamie, Brendan and Shelby.  He was the nephew of Charlie Rager and Donald Wieczenski both of  West Homestead, Pennsylvania.

Bob was the head coach of the Point Park Men’s Basketball program from 1989 – 2016, retiring with the most victories for a college basketball coach at a 4 year school in Pittsburgh.  He was loved by players, feared by referees and ended his career with almost as many technical fouls as wins!

He also was the owner of the Payne Hill Grille in Jefferson Hills from 2014 – 2017.  You could always count on Bob to be behind the bar telling and sharing funny stories!  He spent the last few years sitting in his favorite chair on the white sand beach of Siesta Key, Florida.  You could find him swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, riding his bicycle or fishing from the pier on Anna Maria Island.  Though he officially retired from coaching in 2016, he jumped at the chance to get back into the gym as the 2nd assistant coach of The Warriors, a YMCA league basketball team for 5 – 7 year old’s, with his grandson Colton.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Andrew E. Reilly Memorial Park 1201 Clairton Road (Route 885) Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania 15025 from 1 - 5 PM.

Bob was funny, loyal and generous.  If you knew Bob, you knew he loved his family more than anything on Earth.  He was larger than life and will be forever missed!