OLEAN — Robert M. Bliss Jr. of Olean, passed away unexpectedly after battling heart disease on Wednesday (Aug. 20, 2025) shortly after arrival at Olean General Hospital.

Robert was born in Olean on Feb. 7, 1956, the son of the late Robert Sr. and Dorothy Clemons Bliss. On Aug. 23, 1997, he married the former Anita Herbert, who survives.

A graduate of Olean High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1975 and served honorably as an air cargo specialist until September 1979.

Robert then worked as a delivery driver for Dave’s Pizza of Olean and S & G Pizza of Allegany. He worked in food service for the Seneca Allegany Casino for 10 years before retiring.

Robert was a devout fan of the Buffalo Bills and the L.A. Lakers. He enjoyed watching auto racing, especially Mark Martin. He spent his free time working on cars, painting and building model cars.

Robert loved animals; he will be missed by his dog, Nala, and his two cats, Ketanji and Jackson.

Surviving besides his wife, Anita, are his brothers-in-law, Joseph Herbert and Jeffery (Rhonda) Herbert, sister-in-law, Cynthia Herbert, Victor Sr. (Rebecca) Herbert and Darren Herbert; nieces and nephews, Hope Banks of Buffalo, Allen Herbert and his four children, Victor Herbert Jr. and his three children, Katia Herbert, Katrice Herbert and her two children, Evelyn Herbert of Meadville, Pa., Brandon Herbert, Jacob Herbert, Justine Ramadhan and Jaylin Burroughs of Cattaraugus.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Dorothy; his in-laws, Joseph and Nancy Herbert; and his sister and her husband, Dawn Bliss Banks and Wilbert Banks.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. Monday (Aug. 25, 2025) at the Mt. Zion Christian Assembly, 321 Front St., Olean, with a funeral service beginning at 1 p.m., and internment to follow at Mount View Cemetery, Olean, with military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.