Robert I. Biss

Robert I Biss, 85, of Schnecksville passed away on June 21, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice in Bethlehem. He was the beloved husband of Rita (Camponeschi) Biss, who will miss her loving and caring husband but most of all will miss her best friend. They shared 34 years of happy adventures, traveling often, especially in the Italian countryside. They enjoyed Opera, plays, concerts and cult movies. Robert was born on August 2, 1939, in Cherry Tree Pennsylvania to Margaret Elizabeth (Betty) (Bostic) Biss and Irvin Biss. He graduated from Purchase Line High School in 1957. He then attended The Air Force Academy. On November 11, 1966, The F-4 Phantom Jet he was flying was shot down over Vietnam and he spent six and a half years as a MIA/POW until he was released on March 4th, 1973. In his military career, he earned the Silver Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with V Device and Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Robert Biss retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Colonel. After leaving the Air Force, he piloted corporate jets for Citibank for 20 years. Robert Biss, class of 1957, was honored in 2014 by the Purchase Line Red Dragon Foundation as its 16th inductee into the Alumni Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Cambria County Military Hall of Fame in 2015 at the War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Robert believed in Democracy with his whole being. He had a great sense of humor and a great attention to detail. Robert is survived by his wife Rita who was also his devoted caregiver until his passing; Daughter Michele Hora; Son Jerry Biss and his wife Kimberly Biss; Step-daughter Francesca Biagi; Grandchildren Jacob Hora, Danielle Hora, Zachary Biss, and KaLeigh Biss; his former wife Mary Biss who remembers him fondly; Siblings Brenda Mattis and Alex Biss. He is predeceased by his parents and Sister Margie Pahutsky and Brother David Biss. The family of Robert would like to Thank the St Luke’s Hospice nurses and doctors, the VA and most of all the friends and family who have stayed by the family's side in the past year to include Carrie Ward, the Dayton Family, and Michele Gallina. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Neffs Union Cemetery, Schnecksville, PA. Arrangements by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. Condolences may be offered at: www.jsburkholder.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.