Obituary for J Roby Backensto
J Roby Backensto, 82, of Mercersburg PA, passed away into Heaven on March 20, 2022 at SpiriTrust Lutheran Hospice Care, Chambersburg PA.
Born on December 19, 1939 in Woodstock, Illinois, he was a son of the late John W. and La Vaun Kohli Backensto.
Roby graduated in 1958 from Southern Lehigh Valley High School and received an Associates degree in Law Enforcement from Indiana University, Latrobe, PA. Roby served in the United States Army from 1960 – 1963 and was stationed in Germany.
Roby graduated from the PA State Police Academy in Hershey PA in 1965 and retired as Corporal in 1992. He served as a Deputy for Franklin County, and Fulton County in the Sheriff’s Department for many years.
Roby was a member of the Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church, Mercersburg and attended Salem United Brethren Church.
Roby enjoyed turkey hunting in Pennsylvania and elk hunting in New Mexico. He was a talented silversmith and duck carver. He also did chair caning and calligraphy. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his retired State Police friends. He loved horses, dogs, gardening, and kayaking.
Roby is survived by his wife, Betty L. Backensto whom he married in 1968, a son, Jason Backensto of Mercersburg, a daughter, Jodie (Henry) Densmore of Santa Fe, NM., a son Mark (Rose) Backensto of Phoenix, AZ., a grandson, Zachary Backensto of Ft. Wainwright, AK., a sister, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Marsh of St. Louis, MO., a niece, Kohli (J.T.) Flick, and great nephew, Ari Flick.
A private service will be scheduled at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online through the Wounded Warrior Project or Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Born on December 19, 1939 in Woodstock, Illinois, he was a son of the late John W. and La Vaun Kohli Backensto.
Roby graduated in 1958 from Southern Lehigh Valley High School and received an Associates degree in Law Enforcement from Indiana University, Latrobe, PA. Roby served in the United States Army from 1960 – 1963 and was stationed in Germany.
Roby graduated from the PA State Police Academy in Hershey PA in 1965 and retired as Corporal in 1992. He served as a Deputy for Franklin County, and Fulton County in the Sheriff’s Department for many years.
Roby was a member of the Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church, Mercersburg and attended Salem United Brethren Church.
Roby enjoyed turkey hunting in Pennsylvania and elk hunting in New Mexico. He was a talented silversmith and duck carver. He also did chair caning and calligraphy. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his retired State Police friends. He loved horses, dogs, gardening, and kayaking.
Roby is survived by his wife, Betty L. Backensto whom he married in 1968, a son, Jason Backensto of Mercersburg, a daughter, Jodie (Henry) Densmore of Santa Fe, NM., a son Mark (Rose) Backensto of Phoenix, AZ., a grandson, Zachary Backensto of Ft. Wainwright, AK., a sister, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Marsh of St. Louis, MO., a niece, Kohli (J.T.) Flick, and great nephew, Ari Flick.
A private service will be scheduled at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online through the Wounded Warrior Project or Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.