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Bob Pressia
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Shortly after his discharge from the Pennsylvania National Guard as a Staff Sergeant in 1976, Bob and 3 other musicians began playing professionally full time. They had booking agents, playing in night clubs all over the Southern Tier of New York and in northern Pennsylvania and even made two records. They called themselves “Underwood Exchange.” It was not an easy time; long hours, late nights, bad weather, being away from home. So, at the end of 1977, the partnership dissolved, and Bob continued to play part-time. He started working for Pennzoil Company as a roustabout in construction and production in the local oil properties. They bought a camper trailer, and sometimes Joan and the boys would accompany the band. He says she was “his groupie! “In December 1985, Bob felt the need to spend more time at home with his family, so he stopped playing. They had more time for family camping trips, enjoyed boating at the lake, and his sons’ sports activities. In 1993, Bob and Joan were transferred to Monahans Texas with Pennzoil. He was tired of the cold Pennsylvania winters so they readily accepted. It was here that he was introduced to southwest Texas lingo: ya’ll! Pennzoil merged with Devon Energy and after 12 years in Monahans, Bob and Joan moved to Odessa Texas where he moved up to become a management supervisor. Typically he wanted to learn everything he needed to know in his job and feels that there were good people willing to take time to teach him.
Getting to Know Bob Pessia – Knights of Columbus Grand Knight
Bob was born January 31 in Olean, N.Y., just across the Pa. border from Bradford, Pa. where he grew up.
He was the oldest of 3 boys. His father worked for Dresser Industries, an oilfield equipment factory, and his
mother was a bookkeeper for a Chevrolet dealership, and later for a vending machines company. It is
interesting that even though Bradford was a small oil town, there were other factories like Zippo cigarette lighters and Case knives made there. Pennzoil, Quaker State, and Kendall all produced oil in the surrounding area.
Bob says his childhood was typical and simple growing up in a small Irish/Italian community “getting into trouble like boys will do.” He had a large extended family nearby; his paternal grandmother had 16 children! Sadly, due to pneumonia and other health issues only 9 children survived. In his early days Bob joined his friends playing baseball and midget league football but soon realized he didn’t have athletic potential. When he was in junior high, he got a guitar for Christmas, and his brother did also. They taught themselves to play and soon had a little band going with a friend who played drums. He says they made a lot of racket in the basement, but no one complained (except the dog!) Later in high school they added a keyboard, and soon a regular band was born; and they named themselves “Movement.” They began playing for school events and later for K of C dances and became quite popular. In 1969 after graduation from high school, Bob went to work for a Pennzoil garage in Bradford as a mechanic while continuing to play in the band. At this time many of Bob’s friends were joining the National Guard, and so after turning 18, in February 1970, he also enlisted. He was stationed at Fort Polk Louisiana for 6 months for Basic and Infantry training as a Mortar Gunner. When he came back to Bradford, he resumed working at the garage and playing in the band. It was soon after this he met his future wife, Joan, at a dance gig another band had. They married in 1972 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Bradford. They have 2 sons, Bobby, and Tom, 2 grandsons, Joey and Nick, and are expecting a granddaughter in June.
He now had a more regular work schedule so he started going to church with Joan. In 2004 he decided to attend RCIA classes. He thought that because of his age he would not be accepted! Until his friend, John Bond, told him his story which was remarkably similar, he said, “I can do this.” And he did! At Easter Vigil in 2005 he was confirmed at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. And it was not long before this same friend got him and Joan teaching RCIA and invited him to join the Knights of Columbus! He has held an Office in the Knights almost every year since 2007 and is a 4th Degree Member since 2012.
There is a pattern in Bob’s work ethics that whatever he does, he jumps in with both feet and does his best. He remembers his father telling him: “Don’t ever quit until they throw you out.” After 34 years with Devon Energy and then 4 more years with Enervest and QEP, Bob finally retired. They were familiar with the Canyon Lake area, having camped a few times near here, so in 2016 they moved here from Odessa. The terrain reminds them of their hometown in Pennsylvania, with the hills, trees, and the lake.In his leisure time, Bob helps Joan with gardening, enjoys boating, goes to car shows with his Corvette, and watches the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have taken camping trips to New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota. They have traveled to Ireland and Italy. They hope to return to Italy some day for an extended trip and search for possible family.
Years ago when Bob was a child, his grandmother was heartbroken that he and his brothers weren’t raised Catholic. Because of his deep commitment to his faith and his involvement in church activities, I’m sure she is smiling down on him now.
Thank you, Bob for your commitment to the KC's and all you do for our church!