Robert J. Prebish, 77, of Altoona, passed away on Christmas Eve after a brief and sudden illness. He was born August 4, 1948, in Cresson, the son of the late Peter and Mary L. (Padilla) Prebish. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda (Merritts) Prebish, his brother and sister-in-law, Paul “Pizzo” and Kathy Prebish, his brother, John “Ox” J. Prebish, Sr., and his brother-in-law, Eugene Merritts. Bob proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, handling munitions, and took great pride in his time in the service, carrying that sense of duty, discipline, and patriotism with him throughout his life. He remained longtime friends with his Navy buddy, Phil Noe. Surrounded by family and friends, Bob and his late brothers were honored with a plaque on the Wall of Honor at the Cresson American Legion. This was an extremely proud moment for the baby brother of the Prebish boys! He was a graduate of Cresson Joint High School. He continued meeting his classmates for lunch for many years and was looking forward to his 60th class reunion next year. He worked for 30+ years at Frye Metal and retired from there after many years of service. He was a devoted and dedicated caregiver to his beloved wife, Linda, who battled multiple sclerosis for many years. Robert’s life was defined by unwavering commitment, quiet sacrifice, and soft-spoken strength. He faithfully cared for Linda with patience, dignity, and deep compassion, showing the deep love that defined their relationship. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Robert’s loyalty never wavered. He was often seen at Penn Cambria Football Games cheering on family members reminiscing about his days as “Beast” when he played football! Bob also cherished the freedom of the open road as a Harley rider. Family was always central to his life, and he took special pride in being the uncle known for giving the best clothing gifts to his great nieces and nephews. He had impeccable taste, and everyone looked forward to Uncle Bob’s gifts! Robert is survived his sister-in-law, Priscilla “Patti” (George) Prebish and Virginia (Larry) Kost; nieces and nephews, Pattilynn Harris and husband P.J., John Prebish Jr. and wife Lisa (Patterson), and Melissa Plazek and husband Jeff; Jeff Prebish and wife Terese, Anne (Prebish) Newhall and husband Rick, Mark Prebish and wife Heather, Alicia Moore and husband, Tom, and Jason Kost. There are also ten great-nieces and great-nephews, Billy (Lacie) Borlie, Becky (Dustin) Oldham, Jeremy, Justin and Mackenzie Harris; Tyler (Angela), Bailey and Malia Prebish; Ethan and Adam Newhall, Claire (Brian) Newhall Ferrarotti; Kevin (Ashley) and Ian Prebish; Ella and Lily Prebish, Hannah and Connor Plazek; and several great-great-nieces and nephews. Robert will be remembered for his gentle presence, unwavering loyalty, and the quiet strength he carried without needing recognition. Christmas Eve will forever hold special meaning for those who loved him, one he traditionally spent attending Midnight Mass. Friends and family will be received Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4-8 p.m., Rose Hill Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., Altoona. A funeral Mass will be celebrated, Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., St. Rose of Lima, 5519 6th Ave., Altoona, Very Rev. John Lynam, celebrant. Burial Alto Reste Park Cemetery, Altoona. Military honors will be provided by the Blair County Honor Guard. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rose Hill Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. 118 Rosehill Cemetery Dr., Altoona, PA 16602. Condolences may be made at RoseHillFuneralCare.com.