Robert A. Priest

He was born March 5, 1961, a son to the late Jannson Priest a self-employed carpenter and Dianne (Leonard) Priest a loving homemaker.

He was raised in a Christian home with two sisters Roberta and Karen. They made the move to Warren when his Grandfather moved here with the Sylvania company. At an early age Bob had a paper route and also worked on a farm haying so he could make his own money to spend at Biekarks music store and buy the newest albums of his favorite bands being Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Black Sabbath and Yes. His love for music grew even more with his first drum set. He took piano lessons and was first chair trumpet in junior high school, he was able to pick up any instrument play it and play it well. He followed in his fathers footsteps working as a carpenter.

Through the years he was part of many bands as drummer, singer or sound engineer such as Touch of Gold, Soo What and ending with American Pie. Opening and having a music store Warren Music Supply with a recording studio and giving music lessons was another way to stay in tune, Bob’s favorite night there was Thursdays for open jam sessions. He loved talking music and music trivia. He loved helping out others and local churches with sound. He also brought in many talents to Warren at different venues. His favorite of all time was bringing Blue Oyster Cult to Warren and getting to hang out with his all time favorite drummer Carmine Appice. Providing sound reinforcement and adding a spectacular light show at different venues also working with Yankee Bush Productions kept him very busy. Although he has worked with so many famous artists and idols of his, he was most proud being able to work with local bands. Bob was very active in the music scene in Pa and New York state working for Infinity, Chautauqua Belle, Thunder in the Valley and Flood Fest in Johnstown.

Bob was known by many names: Bob, Bobby, Animal, Hippie, The Man, and The Beast. Overall, the name that made him most proud was Papa. He loved his family and was proud of his kids for many reasons but the name Papa melted his heart and he was like putty in their hands.

Bob is survived by his high school sweetheart his wife of 41 years Deborah Tuller Dombeck Priest on June 25,1983.Three children. Daughter – Heather Salapek and husband Michael and they have two children, Brennan and Kennedy of Lancaster, Ohio. Son – Benjamin Priest and daughter of Minnesota Son – James Dombeck and wife Chaelynn and they have two children, Leighton and Ainslie of Russell, Pennsylvania. Sisters – Roberta Clark and husband Roger of Warren Pennsylvania Karen Moore and husband Don of Warren Pennsylvania Brother in-law Leonard Tuller of Palm Coast, Florida Sister in-law Rebecca Hice of Starbrick, Pennsylvania Sister in-law Barbara Schmader of Export, Pennsylvania Sister in-law Bonnie Barnett and husband Jim Barnett of Blue Ridge, Virginia. Along with many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was proceeded in death by Twin Infant Grandchildren, Daughter in-law Ashley Dombeck (with two beautiful children Makia and Carter surviving), Brother in-law Michael Schmader, Father and Mother in-law Ivan and Emily Tuller

When Bob was forced into an early retirement due to a massive heart attack that blew a hole in his heart and had many complications from it, he found it was still so hard for him to give it all up he loved what he did so much. A dear friend of his took over ownership of all his gear and lights. And this message was sent and read to him, he had a tear in his eye and a smirk on his face.

lf Thinking of you my dear friend!

We had our last Chautauquas got talent last night used all your gear for sound and lights worked amazingly!!

Thank you so much for letting me continue your legacy”

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 3:00pm Saturday June 8th, 2024 at the Kalbfus Club, 2178 Chapman Dam Road

Please dress casual and bring a story or picture to share.

Food will be provided.

A private all Family service will be at 2:00pm

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.