Robert Eugene “Gene” Salsgiver, 82, of Glen Campbell, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The son of Charles S. and Geraldine M. (Wilson) Salsgiver, he was born on December 10, 1943 in Mentcle, PA the fourth of nine children.
Gene was a graduate of the Purchase Line High School Class of 1962. After high school, he traveled with his older brother Jerry to Wyoming. One of his favorite stories was how he hitchhiked back home encountering adventurous circumstances that included spending a night sleeping beneath a tree in Chicago.
Ready for more adventure, Gene moved to Washington, DC where he met his future wife Marsha E. Varner while working at Safeway. They were wed nearly 60 years ago on July 30, 1966. He had a successful career as assistant manager.
Deciding they wanted to raise their daughters closer to family, Gene and Marsha moved to Pennsylvania. Gene and his brother Jim opened a grocery store in Glen Campbell, marking the start of his entrepreneurial pursuits. Gene then worked in construction for Interstate Amesite. This experience provided him with skills and insight into the industry. Gene and his brother Dan launched S&S Paving & Construction, which they co-owned and operated for forty years. In addition to his work in construction, Gene owned and managed the Glenwood Convalescent Home and Salsgiver’s Personal Care Home in Glen Campbell.
Gene was deeply involved in his local community, belonging to the First Baptist Church of Glen Campbell, PA, and enjoying time with friends as a social member of the American Legion Post 435. He contributed his service to the community as a Glen Campbell Borough Council Member and a member of the Indiana County Redevelopment Authority.
A passionate golfer, Gene was a member of the Punxsutawney Country Club and took part in several golf leagues. Even when he wasn’t on the course, he enjoyed watching golf in his leisure time.
With a talent for gardening, Gene cultivated vegetables and flowers and loved sharing his homegrown produce with friends.
His four grandchildren meant a great deal to him; he cherished family gatherings and rarely missed their activities, sporting events, or graduations. Even the family’s dogs held Gene in high esteem.
Gene will be greatly missed by his wife Marsha, his two daughters: Rhonda Salsgiver Dahlkemper and husband Doug of Washington, D.C. and Melissa Salsgiver Byers and husband Bob of Manns Choice, PA; his four grandchildren: Audrey Grace Dahlkemper; Eliza Jane Dahlkemper; Ethan Robert Byers and Emma Elizabeth Byers; his siblings: Cheryl Vaneman of Orlando, FL and Ted Salsgiver of Glen Campbell, PA and his numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his six siblings: Jim Salsgiver; Carol Ann Ritchey; Jerry Salsgiver; Danny Salsgiver; Diane Zahursky and Dorothy Straw.
At Gene’s request there is no visitation. Please join his family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Glen Campbell, PA to be followed by an open house at their residence.
In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate donations to the Glen Campbell American Legion Post 435 at P.O. Box 197, Glen Campbell, PA 15742, to assist the legion’s charitable works within the hometown community Gene so loved..
Arrangements are with the assistance of the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA. Please visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Gene’s guestbook and to share a condolence message.
