PennDOT worker, AFSCME member loses life on the job

On Saturday, February 17, Robert Gensimore, 45, of Spruce Creek, Pa., lost his life on the job “while trying to keep other people safe,” as described by the Centre Daily Times.

Gensimore was a Blair County Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) employee and AFSCME Local 2246 (State Supervisory – District 9) member, as well as a devoted family man who was active in his community. He died after a vehicle struck him while he was setting flares in the southbound lane of Interstate 99 following a separate incident.

This tragedy serves as an unwelcome reminder of the dangerous jobs PennDOT employees do on a daily basis, at times risking their life to keep others safe.

“The entire AFSCME Council 13 family sends its deepest condolences to Robert’s family and friends, and we will continue to fight for safer working conditions for our members, and all working people, in his honor,” Council 13 Executive Director David Fillman said.

Friends will be received from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at Warriors Mark United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held from 10 until 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, at the church, the Rev. Eric Shafer officiating. Interment will be at Franklinville Cemetery. Arrangements are by Bruce E. Cox Funeral Home, Warriors Mark.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name may be made to Warriors Mark Franklin Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 104, Warriors Mark, Pa. 16877.

If you know a PennDOT worker, thank them, and always be careful on the roads they maintain.