By Brett R. Crossley
SELINSGROVE — To say the area lost a good man would be an understatement when talking about Robert B. Scullin, friends say.
Scullin, former president of Scullin Oil Co., was one of the most recognizable faces at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club. A huge fan of golf, Scullin could frequently be found roaming the club’s golf course.
“He was an avid golfer and supporter of the club,” Greg Felty, head golf professional, said. “He was just a good member.”
Scullin passed away Monday evening at Penn State Hershey Medical Center after an 11-month illness. He was 82 years old.
Scullin was born in Harrisburg on June 16, 1927, to Robert and Ruth Scullin. He was a graduate of Sunbury High School and later graduated from Penn State University with a degree in engineering.
Throughout his life, Scullin seemed to embrace opportunities and challenges. After he graduated from Penn State, he spent a short amount of time at Dupont in Rochester, N.Y., then joined his father at the Scullin Oil Co. After a while of working with his father, he purchased the company from his dad and worked as the president and CEO from 1962 to 1992.
Along with running the Scullin Oil Co., he was an entrepreneur who started many businesses across the country. Scullin owned 13 convenience stores, Short Stop Inc., multiple cars washes, a cement service, and industrial and commercial HVAC systems.
Scullin was a devoted family man who spent 56 years of his life married to Sally Kerwin, who passed away in January 2008. Together, the couple raised three sons and two daughters.
Members of the club and friends said Scullin was a huge Penn State fan, a devoted Catholic and just an all-around good guy.
“He was an avid gin player,” Michael Andretta recalled. “He was one of the few players that could consistently beat me.”
“I have known him for 30 years,” said Karen Valdivia, Bar Manager at the Susquehanna Country Club. “He was a gentle giant, a big teddy bear. He had a good sense of humor, too. He was a nice man and easy to get along with. I’m sad to see him go.”
Friends and family who would like to pay their last respects can visit St. Pius X Catholic Church from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. A Rosary reciting will be held at 7:45.
