Robert Lyter

Robert F. Lyter (Bob), 82 years old, of Dauphin, PA passed away on September 6th, 2021, in Harrisburg, PA.
Robert was born in Harrisburg on 24 July 1939, the only child of Nestor and Eileen (Forney) Lyter.

In 2003 Bob retired from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire after 38 years as the Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief. In addition to his career as a firefighter, Bob was Treasurer for the IAFF Local 428, a volunteer EMT with the Dauphin-Middle Paxton Ambulance, and assisted with teaching EMT classes at Harrisburg Area Community College. He also volunteered with Mt. Pleasant Fire Company, the Hampton Fire Company, was an active Mason with the Perseverance Lodge No 21, and was a Zembo Shriner, serving as chairman of the safety committee for the Zembo Circus.


In his younger years, Bob was involved with the Business Professional Young Adults group (BPYA), where he met Ruth Kolva, his wife of 56 years. They married at Market Square Presbyterian Church where Bob served as radio announcer for WMSP in Harrisburg, broadcasting classical music and the Sunday morning church service for Market Square.

Bob had a lifelong love of trains. He enjoyed everything from trainspotting to model railroading. He was active with the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society and held several offices, including President, with the Harrisburg chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. He particularly enjoyed assisting at Rail Camp in Steamtown, building model railroads and "playing trains" with other enthusiasts on weekends.
His other interests included patrolling the Susqhehanna at Harrisburg and the Chesapeake Bay with the Coast Auxiliary, providing EMT services for the Hidden Valley Scout Reservation camp, volunteering as a driver for the Dauphin-Middle Paxton senior van, wood working, hunting, surf fishing, bowling, and golf.


Bob was predeceased by his grandson Christopher Brion. In addition to his wife Ruth, he leaves behind his daughter Rae and her husband Daniel Brion of Carlisle, PA, his three grandchildren Joshua, Matthew, and Nicole Brion; and his daughter Renee Lyter of Boston, MA, as well as many others who loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 12:00 pm, in Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 357 S. Harrisburg St. Oberlin. with Pastor Donald Zechman, officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, 1820 N. 4th St. Harrisburg PA 17102.