Ltc Robert J. Bilous, Usa (Ret.)

LTC Robert Joseph Bilous, 69, of Camp Hill, passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. He was the son of the late LTC William H. and Evelyn (O’Donoghue) Bilous, born on May 31, 1953 in Harrisburg.

Bob was a 1971 graduate of Red Land High School and would go on to continue his education at Shippensburg University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, was a member of the ROTC and played football all four years. Upon graduation, he served his country as an active-duty 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army, spending two years in Ft. Knox, KY. In 1978, he joined a reserve unit at Fort Indiantown Gap as a Company Commander. Bob served honorably in several different units throughout his 26 years as a reservist, attending various military schools and receiving multiple decorations along the way. He retired at the rank of LTC after 28 years of faithful service to his country. For 40 years he worked for the Department of Corrections in Camp Hill, holding many different job titles, and retiring as a Unit Manager. He was also a PIAA referee for many years. Even in retirement, Bob continued to serve others by volunteering at New Hope Ministries. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill.

Bob is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 44 years, Debra (Corby) Bilous. The two met at Bob’s sister’s wedding and were inseparable ever since. Six months later, on Christmas Eve, Bob proposed to Debbie, and the two were married the following September.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his loving sons, Jeffrey R. Bilous of Elgin, SC, and Steven F. Bilous (wife, Sierra, whom he loved as a daughter) of Dillsburg; his granddaughters (whom he adored), Isabella and Camilla; a sister, Katherine (Bilous) Hackenberg (husband, James) of York; a brother-in-law, Dennis Corby (wife, Patricia) of Fullerton, CA; three nephews, Daniel, Thomas and Michael; a niece, Karen; and his fluffy fur-child, Gus (the family cat).

Bob loved to travel. He and Debbie traveled to the Bahamas and to Germany often, frequently visited Disney World, and more recently traveled to Italy, Jerusalem, and Africa. Bob loved meeting new people and since he also had a minor in history, he always immersed himself in the historical aspects of every trip. He loved Surfside Beach, enjoying an ice-cold beer at Bubba's Fish Shack every time he went, and his family will miss his yearly countdown to their vacation. If you knew Bob, you would know that his lawn was always immaculate, he was a die-hard Steelers fan, and his most notable catchphrase was, “that’s what’s up.” Bob was a wonderful human being; he was a loving husband who cared so deeply for his soulmate, a hero of a dad whom his sons looked up to for guidance and support, the sweetest grandfather who loved to hear the stories of his granddaughters, and an absolute stellar human being to all those around him. The twinkle in his eyes will not be forgotten, and his smile and his laughter will live on forever.

A public visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. The following morning, Saturday, December 10, a memorial service will begin at the funeral home at 10AM, immediately followed by interment with military honors in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bob’s name to PA Wounded Warriors, 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.