Dr. Robert Steele Selby, 84, of 28 Taylor Street, Frostburg, MD, died on Wednesday (September 18) after a brief illness. He was born on February 11, 1940 in Philipsburg, PA to Hilda and Grayson Selby.
Robert launched his academic career at Antioch College and forever considered himself “an Antiochian,” a seeker of truth, goodness and knowledge. He went on to receive his MSW at West Virginia University and his PhD at Bowling Green State University. He was rarely seen without a book.
He started his career as project director of the early Head Start program in Clearfield County in 1968 and was later employed by the Clearfield County, PA Welfare Office, Findlay College and Frostburg State University as a sociology professor, from which he retired. He loved teaching and helping others.
Robert also enjoyed gardening, tennis, fly-fishing, tying his own flies, but, above all, reading and writing. He published a textbook, What Do You Value? His memoir, Testament of an Antiochian: A Life of Gratitude, demonstrates his philosophical bent and successful career of teaching and public service. He considered the lifetime publication of seventy-three Letters to the Editor a major accomplishment as well.
He leaves behind a son, Karl Klase Selby, a brother Dr. Stephen Selby, and two sisters, Nancy Spidel and Cynthia Chase, as well as an ex-wife, Joan K. Selby. Mike Olson, Tony Crosby, Don Thompson, and Mike Brenner were special friends of his, never to be forgotten.
He was an organ donor and was cremated at West Virginia University. A Celebration of Dr. Selby’s Life will be held on November 29th at 2:00 P. M. at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 55 Broadway in Frostburg, MD with Rev. Karen Crosby, presiding.
