Columbus, OH — Robert “Bob” Joseph Key, 87, of Freeport, Pa., died Jan. 27, 2021.

He was born July 27, 1933, in Hazelton, to the late Robert C. and Helena M. Gulick Key. Mr. Key received a bachelor of arts degree in 1955 from Dickinson College. He continued his education at Dickinson, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1957 with a doctorate of jurisprudence.

He practiced law for more than 50 years and was the president/owner of Key Bellevilles Inc., a firm he built into the largest manufacturer of disc springs in North America. He was also one of the top owners and breeders of champion racehorses in the sport of harness racing. All in all, he was a driven man who was successful in all his pursuits.

Mr. Key was an adventurer and loved to travel. He was a private pilot and owned his own plane, which he loved to fly. He enjoyed activities such as boating, fishing, hunting, telling stories, and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also quite the historian and had a passion for civil rights. Above all, he was a man who loved his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patty; children, Kathy (Steve) Brown and Rob; brothers, Richard (Willa) and Phillip (Wendy); grandchildren, Steve (Kris) Brown and Jennifer (Brett) Downard; great-grandson, Oliver; and Samantha; along with other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly Lynn; and stepmother, Susie.

The viewing will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 30) at the Ross G. Walker Funeral Home Ltd., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, PA 15068. A private service will be held for family only. Private burial in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, P.O. Box 312, Millstone Township, NJ 08535.