Robert J. Thiel, Sr.

Robert John Thiel, 81, of Scranton, PA, passed away suddenly at home on December 8, 2024. He was the husband of Alice Santarsiero Thiel. The couple married in 1963 and have been together for 65 years.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Henry and Elizabeth Thiel. In 1959, at the young age of 16, Robert met the love of his life, Alice. They married a few years later and the two have been connected ever since. 

In 1971, he started Bob Thiel’s Auto Body Shop Inc. Over the years, Bob built a reputation for his impeccable attention to detail and his never-ending dedication to quality craftsmanship. He was particularly proud of his carefully curated collection of classic cars, with his prized possession being a 1949 Mercury.

Bob and Alice couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children Robert and Paul mean the world to them. Robert worked alongside his father in the auto body shop, continuing his legacy, while Paul pursued a career in art and design and works in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, CA. Bob was endlessly proud of both of them for following their passions and creating their own successes.

While he loved country western dancing, restoring classic cars, and serenading his family to Elvis, Bob’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Papa.

Bob, is survived by sons, Robert Thiel, Jr. and wife, Judy of Moscow, PA, and Paul Thiel and wife, Gina, of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Robert Thiel, III and wife, Alexandra of Dunmore, PA, Kassaundra Thiel and significant other, Carlo Zini of Moscow, PA, Joseph Thiel of Moscow, PA, and Miles Thiel of Los Angeles, CA; and his brothers, William, James, Henry, Christopher and his sisters, Barbara, Judith, Mary Jane, Carol, Theresa, Elizabeth, Tina, and Catherine, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Bob was also preceded in death by his brother John.

A viewing will be held Sunday, December 15th from 2pm to 4pm at the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc, 318 E Drinker Street, Dunmore, Pa, 18512. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 16th at 10am in Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Avenue, Scranton, Pa, 18510. Entombment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Susan G. Komen foundation, in Bob’s memory. To offer the family an online condolence, visit www.NEPAfuneralhome.com

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Bob’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will endure in the love he gave and the lives he touched.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert J. Thiel, Sr., please visit our Tree Store.