Robert 'Rube' Faloon dies at 85

Robert Moreland Faloon

Robert Moreland Faloon's family, friends, journalists, Penn Staters, Rotarians, sports enthusiasts, fellow actors, and runners mourn the loss of 'Rube' who passed away on December 17, 2007 of congestive heart failure at the age of 85.

He had a long and creative career in journalism starting as a paper boy in Mt. Lebanon in Pittsburgh where he was born February 10, 1922. His interest continued in high school and college as editor of the school newspapers, Journalism school at Penn State, followed by reporter, editor, managing editor, sales and circulation, sales and research director where he developed many new and innovated ways to promote newspaper readership and civic involvement. He finished his career at the Akron Beacon Journal after more than 15 years of service. He also worked for the Houston Post, Coral Gables Times, Oak Ridger (Tenn), Pompano Beach Town News (Fla.), and The Lancaster (Pa), among others. While working in Tennessee Rube was honored to be asked by Al Gore, Sr. to head up Gore's first Senate campaign, but had to decline at the time due to family obligations. While at Penn State he was elected President of his senior class in 1943 but his term was interrupted by his enlistment in the Army. He also was a member of Lions Paw and ran cross country at Penn State where he competed at the Penn Relays and the Boston marathon, finally graduating in 1946 after the war. His World War ll service as a staff supply sergeant for the artillery in the Philippines was preceded by Russian language Studies for the Army Intelligence. He received three bronze stars. Rube also continued his running in the 1950's, organized many road races long before jogging became popular, and continued running well into his 70's. Rube's dedication to community service led him to be a life long Rotarian serving as president of many of his local chapters, as well as on the board of Rotary International, where he was very active in polio eradication and many trips abroad including Australia, Russia, Ireland, England, Belize, both in service and pleasure. He also served on the board of 'Up with People'. He also came out of retirement to volunteer as Director of the Census for a five county district including the Cleveland area. Rube was married twice for over 25 years each.

He is survived by his first wife, Mary Boyd which ended in divorce; his children, Jean Faloon, Kathryn Faloon, Kelly Faloon, Trudy Faloon, William Faloon, and a foster son, Richard Woolcock who Rube and Mary helped immigrate to The United States from Belize in 1956. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Orion Koller-Faloon, Brooke Koller-Faloon, Arial Koller-Faloon, and John Faloon. His second wife, a very distant relative, was Virginia Faloon now deceased.
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Tuesday, March 11, 2008, page B6, col. 1]