Robert G. Givan, Sr., 75, of Olean passed away Monday,
February 24, 2020 at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Buffalo, after a
brief illness. Born on February 13, 1945, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, he was a
son of Paul and Bertie Yeaples Givan. On
November 18, 1968, in Ringgold, Georgia he married the former Paula
Mikolajczyk, who survives.
Robert was a graduate of the Hinsdale Central School Class
of 1963. He honorably served in the United
States Army from 1969-71 during the Vietnam War. During his service he achieved the rank of
SPC5 and was Helicopter Crew Chief Pilot.
He had been a Computer Lathe Machinist for Tri-Co Industries
and Alcas Cutlery for several years. He
had also owned and operated Givan’s Autobody Shop in Olean with his wife. In 2002, he started his own business Swimwear
On The Go, retiring in 2015, after selling the business to his daughter. He will be remembered as a man that was
always willing to help others anyway that he could.
Robert was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing,
and gardening. In his younger years he
liked dirt track racing on the Olean Raceway. He also followed NASCAR
series. In later years, he enjoyed
raising Sugar Glider Pets.
He leaves behind his wife, Paula Givan of Olean; a son Robert
G. (Shelly) Givan, Jr. of Olean; three daughters Christina Smith of Olean, Shelli
(Scott) Givan-Baker of Olean, Robin Sammis of Salamanca; five Grandchildren and
3 great grandchildren; two brothers, Thomas Givan and Jerry Givan; a sister Ione
Burlingame; several Nieces and Nephews. In
addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother James Givan. Private services will be held at the
convenience of the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements
are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service,
Inc., Cuba.
