In Memoriam: Robert W. Ferrell, III (1956-2024)

Robert W. Ferrell, III, a former member of the Lycoming Law Association, died September 13, 2024.

Obituary:

Robert W. Ferrell, III, 67, a lifelong resident of Picture Rocks, PA, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence.

Born September 26, 1956, in Muncy, Pa., Bob was the son of the late Robert Ferrell, Jr. and Lorma (Egli) Ferrell. He was a 1974 graduate of Hughesville High School, and received his B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University in 1979. Bob then went on to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he earned his J.D. in 1982. He previously was employed by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office for 30 years, serving as first assistant district attorney prior to his retirement.

Aside from his career, Bob was passionate about Penn State football and golden retrievers, including his latest beloved dog, Pip. Additionally, he had a love for and encyclopedic knowledge of history, especially the U.S. Civil War, and often was asked to speak to local groups on that topic. He also was an active member of the Picture Rocks Lions Club.

Bob is survived by two sisters, Susan (David) Troller, of Terrace Park, OH, and Sharon (David) Ketchen of Opelika, AL: one niece, Katharine (Christopher) Bond; and two nephews, Andrew (Heather) and Robert Troller. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, William Ferrell.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at McCarty- Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St. Hughesville, Pa. Friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. A private burial at Picture Rocks Cemetery will take place at a later date.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Lycoming County SPCA.

Memorial Resolutions:

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

IN RE: RESOLUTIONS IN MEMORY OF :
ROBERT W. FERRELL, III, ESQUIRE : NO. 24-00003

REPORT AND RESOLUTIONS OF COMMITTEE

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGES OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURT:

By Order of October 16, 2024, the Honorable Nancy L. Butts, President Judge of the 29th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, appointed the undersigned Committee to prepare a Report and Resolutions memorializing the life of Robert W. Ferrell, III, Esquire, for submission to the Court at a public ceremony on January 16, 2025. Accordingly, your Committee submits the following Report and Resolutions:

1. Robert W. “Bob” Ferrell, III, a proud life-long resident of Picture Rocks, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024, at UPMC Williamsport, Divine Providence Hospital.
2. Bob was born on September 26, 1956, in Muncy, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Robert Ferrell, Jr. and Lorma Egli Ferrell. Bob shared his birthday with Kevin Way, Esquire and William Carlucci, Esquire, both of this Association.
3. Bob was a 1974 graduate of Hughesville High School, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 1979.
4. Bob attended the University of Pittsburgh Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1982.
5. Bob began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Thomas C. Raup, former President Judge of Lycoming County.
6. Bob served Lycoming County as an Assistant District Attorney for 30 years, rising to the position of First Assistant District Attorney prior to his retirement.
7. In addition to his distinguished career as an attorney, Bob was a passionate supporter of Penn State Football, and a devoted father to his golden retrievers, including his latest dog, Pip.
8. Bob was an accomplished amateur historian, particularly the history of the United States Civil War, and cheerfully volunteered his time to speak to local groups on those subjects.
9. Bob served his community as an active member of the Picture Rocks Lions Club.
10. Bob was survived by two sisters, Susan Ferrell Troller of Terrance Park, Ohio, and Sharon Ferrell Ketchen of Opelika, Alabama, one niece Katharine Bond, and two nephews, Andrew and Robert Troller. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, William Ferrell.
11. Bob lived a full life as an accomplished attorney, a loving family member, a devoted community volunteer, a loyal Penn State fan, and a gentleman of the highest order.

Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the undersigned, joined by the Bench and Bar of Lycoming County, do recognize the passing of Robert W. Ferrell, III, Esquire, and submit the following resolutions:

BE IT RESOLVED that in the passing of Robert W. Ferrell, III, Esquire, on September 13, 2024, there has been a loss to this Association of an able lawyer of the highest character and integrity, a loss to the Picture Rocks community of a valuable servant, and a loss to his family of a cherished brother and uncle.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Court and Bar do hereby extend to Bob’s family our deep and heartfelt sympathy, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these Resolutions be spread at length upon the minutes of the Court of Common Pleas of Lycoming County and that copies be provided to the family of Robert W. Ferrell, III, Esquire.</p>

Respectfully submitted,

The Honorable William P. Carlucci, Chairperson
Diane Turner, Esquire
Bradley Hillman, Esquire