Robert W. Wygant, 87, of 7 Vo-Tech Drive, Oil City, died Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at UPMC Hamot in Erie after a brief illness.

Born Sept. 16, 1931, in Erie, he was the son of the late Robert R. and Irene C. English Wygant.

Mr. Wygant moved to Oil City at age two and attended Oil City schools, graduating in 1950.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1950 to 1954.

Bob worked at Sears before joining the Oil City Police Department in April 1956. In 1960, he was promoted to lieutenant, then captain in 1970.

Bob attended numerous schools in police studies and graduated in 1972 from the FBI Academy.

He was sworn in as chief of police for the City of Oil City in 1974, retiring Sept. 18, 1981.

He then worked as project manager for the Oil City Housing Authority, retiring in September 1996.

Bob was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed golfing, crossword puzzles and reading.

Bob was a member of the Oil City Elks Club where he had been past Exalted Ruler.

On May 5, 1952, he was married to the former Donna L. O’Neil, and she preceded him in death June 10, 2006.

He is survived by four children and their spouses, Dee Ellen Hartle of Pottsvillle, Robert P. Wygant and his wife Chris of Port Richey, Florida, Debra L. Bennett and her husband Dale of Oil City and Julie A Winger and her husband LeRoy of Seneca.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Missy Kanger and her husband Tom, Robert T. Wygant and his partner Misty, Michael Hartle and his wife Jennifer, Chaval Russell and her husband Chris, Dessie McElhaney and her husband Joe, Chad Miles and his wife Cassie, Samuel Bennett and Sophie Bennett. Several great-grandchildren also survive.

He is also survived by three sisters, Irene C. “Ernie” Pardee of Oil City, Donna G. Guth of Oil City and Marilyn J. Aaron of New Jersey; and a sister-in-law, Betty Wygant of Erie.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and special companion, Phyllis “Spuddie” Nick, of Oil City.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rea Wygant; and a sister, Lois Smith and her husband, Jack.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday in the Reinsel Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday in the funeral home with the Rev. Byron Myers, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, presiding.

Military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.

Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.