Bristol Borough’s Bob Borsavage
by Cate Murway

“In the 60’s before the library had the iron fence put up, does anyone remember sledding down the hill and going into the River filled with ice….these two boys would now be maybe in their late 60’s early 70’s. My parents lived in Mrs. Douglas’ building on the corner of Penn and Radcliffe streets. My father saw these 2 boys sled into the river and ran down and pulled them from the water. My dad spent about 2 weeks in the hospital because he severely pulled his back out. I’m not sure what happened to the boys but it would be interesting to find out who they were, if they’re even still residing in Bristol. Has anyone heard this story?” inquired Joy Borsavage.

“Yes, I once saved young boys from the River who were sledding and slid right into the River. Then I went into the hospital because I pulled a muscle near my spine”, shared Robert Ronald Borsavage.
Bob’s bravery sure changed things up for the recently widowed James “Jimmy”/ “Tink” Spadaccino!

Robert Borsavage, dubbed “Nabisco Bob” by many in 19007, was born and raised in Luzerne County in Plymouth, PA shortly after the depression. He has resided in historic Bristol on the Delaware since 1957.
Plymouth sits on the west side of PA’s Wyoming Valley, wedged between the Susquehanna River and the Shawnee Mountain range. 

Robert was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph and Anna Strazdus Borsavage. 









He had three sisters, Agnes, Anna and Alice and 2 brothers, Ed and Jack. His parents also lost an infant son, Joseph Jr.
“I slept with my two brothers in one room in one big bed and the girls slept in the other bedroom.”









His sister Anne Alice Borsavage Powell “Anna” “was the smart one” and she would help him with his homework. Robert’s favorite subject was always math. As a young boy, he attended the new Central High Grade School that sat on a bluff overlooking the Parrish Colliery of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. After 1913, the Central High School was used to educate children in the lower grades. He graduated in 1954 from Plymouth HS. “I loved numbers. I loved arithmetic.”
Anna worked at J.B. Carr's Drugstore in Plymouth and later for the Wyoming Valley West School District at Central and Main Street schools for over 20 years. She and her husband Edwin R. “Ed” Powell Sr., who had been injured while in the Navy on a ship, resided in Plymouth. 








"I loved my Aunt Anna. I got to see her a lot!" shared Robert’s daughter, Joy.
Every weekend they would travel upstate to visit his family.

His sister Alice [1924- 2012] and her husband Tom Klemash, also a Navy veteran, lived in San Francisco, CA.
He lost his sister Agnes to tuberculosis [TB] when she was in her 30’s.
His late brother, Edward E., was a Korean War Army veteran, and his only surviving sibling, his recently widowed brother, John “Jack” is still living upstate.

Robert’s grandparents were from Poland, immigrating to the USA in the late 1800’s. Many of the new arrivals from Eastern Europe to Plymouth were poor and uneducated and the character of the town changed from a sleepy agrarian village to a rough and tumble mining town. His father Joseph had only attended school to the third grade. He always worked in the vast anthracite coal mines. 
“He didn’t get paid much. I remember him saying that he worked 30 years in the mines and he was happy to have made $5,000 one year. He passed away at only 66 years old from clogged arteries. He loved everything fried.”

His mother, Anna went to the 4th grade in school and she worked in a sewing factory. At their home, she canned a lot of the vegetables and fruit from their garden. She made her own jelly and jam from the huckleberries, blueberries and blackberries that they grew.
“We had a real big back yard with peach trees and apple trees, and we also grew red beets, corn, and tomatoes on our property. Mom was always in the kitchen working on the coal stove. She lost her leg from diabetes and passed when she was 70. She was still living in our same house. Now one of my nephews, Ed lives there.”
There was a wooden shack outhouse in their back yard on Orchard Street. “No showers. On Saturday night, our mom would pour hot water into a big wooden tub. The youngest got the bath first! The big bar of yellow soap always burned my eyes.”

Robert earned his keep in quarters on Saturdays. He never went to any dances. It was $.25 to go to the movies and buy popcorn at the Shawnee Theatre on Main Street to see westerns starring Orvon Grover "Gene" Autry [1907–1998], Leonard Franklin Slye "Roy Rogers" [1911-1998, and Marion Michael Morrison "John Wayne", nicknamed "Duke" [1907-1979]. “But I really liked the Three Stooges!” Then they would go to hangout at the ‘Half Circle Barbeque Restaurant’ in Hanover, PA for good pork sandwiches and delicious pizza. [It opened in 1937 and it’s the oldest Barbeque restaurant in the area!]
His job was to clean the coops and scoop it all up together to be used for fertilizer. “We raised about 350 chickens and we ate them, and we sold the eggs in a big basket to the neighbors.” 
His mother made delicious chicken soup and one of his favorite soups was her yellow bean soup with potatoes and bacon. 

Robert fished in the Susquehanna River with his brother Ed. “We caught carp and suckers, and bass and just threw them back. We ate the bass we caught at Harvey’s Lake.”
He swam in Harvey’s Lake too after learning how to swim in a mud hole near his house.
They lived in the mountains, so they also hunted rabbits, deer, and squirrels for food.
“We skied in the winter in the hills of those Plymouth Mountains. Our skis were wooden with a strap that went around the boot. We had wooden toboggans and sleds, and we ice skated on the pond.” 
He never rode a bike. It was all hills, everywhere! 
Just below the mountain, there are hills that surround the town.
"I remember as a kid crawling up his street because it’s one big steep hill”, shared Joy.

And then there were always more chores. Chores were just a part of daily life. 
Robert also collected coal from up on the hill and packed the coal chunks into a wheel barrel. He wheeled it back home and then cracked it into little pieces with a hammer. There was a spring in the Plymouth Mountains about a ½ mile away. He would carry gallon jugs of water up from the spring. Their milk was delivered in glass quart bottles to their home and kept in an old ice box. 
“The ice man would come every day and we would buy 50 pounds for 10 or 20 cents.”

No scholastic sports were permitted for him because at the age of 14, Robert was earning $20.00 a week pitching on a Dallas, PA semi-pro team. “People even passed a hat around for extra money for us.”









Someone had been getting a youth team together, looking for any boy who could “throw the ball over the plate”. When he was only 9 years old, he tried out and starting playing for the Plymouth Dusters.








“We had no uniforms, just wore overalls and old sneakers. The diamond was not like the fields today. We had to clean up rocks before we could play.”

Robert pitched a perfect game when he was just 14 at the Kids League championship for the Plymouth Eagles in Artillery Park in Wilkes-Barre. The article appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1950.









He bought his first car for $400.00. “It was a black 1948 “fluid drive” Dodge DeSoto with big white walls. It had belonged to a funeral home and it followed the hearse.” His next ride was a 1953 cream and Grecian green Chevy Bel Air.

He continued playing baseball for the Detroit Tigers, a minor league team until he injured his arm as their pitcher. Then he coached the Bristol Brackens, an American Legion baseball team for 5 years in the 1960’s. 

*Bucks County Courier Times Newspaper Archives July 27, 1967 Page 52*
Bracken Jolted Falls 9-04!
Bristol Bracken clashed with Fallsington in a crucial battle in the Lower Bucks American Legion Baseball League last night. Fallsington put the heat on Bristol in the fourth inning by scoring two runs. Bristol Manager Bob Borsavage called time out to talk to pitcher Tony Embessi, second baseman Joe Accardi, and first baseman Bill Delia. Bristol took a decision due mostly to scoring seven runs in the third inning.

He was also working at the former Northeast Philly Nabisco Plant preparing ingredients for the mixers during this time. Robert had just answered an ad and was immediately hired, and he worked there for 35 years. He retired in 1993. He was dubbed “Nabisco Bob” because he brought home bags of cookies, sharing some with the First Federal Bank employees, and some with the patrons at Dugan’s Bar now called Sadie's Irish Pub, LLC.
This former pitching athlete has also tended bar at the Moose Bucks Lodge which he joined in 1976, and for the St. Ann's Athletic Association Club who has asked for his sports picture to hang on their wall.

At one time, he lived across the street from Senator Joseph R. Grundy’s home on Radcliffe Street but he never did see him. The late barber, Joseph Peter Cuttone cut his hair. Years ago, he remembers shows at the Grand Theatre that later became the Bristol Playhouse, and he recalls shopping at the 5&10, and purchasing clothing at Nicholas Gilardi’s Mens Store on Mill Street. 
Danis’ Deli on Farragut Avenue was his go-to place for lunch meats and homemade salads. He still loves eating Cesare’s cheese steaks and sausage sandwiches and his favorite Italian dishes at Annabella’s.
Years ago, he and his young daughter Joy would go fishing behind the bank. They caught catfish and gave them away. Joy has blessed him now with 2 grandsons and 2 great-grandsons.










Robert occasionally still plays a game of golf with his longtime friends but he truly enjoys just sitting out by the river by the old Manhattan Soap Company building.

“Oh, did my dad tell you that the late Costic F. "Ike" Borsavage [1924-2014] was his cousin? 
He coached Council Rock basketball for years and played for the Philadelphia 76ers with Wilt Chamberlain when they were the Warriors in Philadelphia,” stated Joy.  
Robert’s cousin Ike was the first soccer and bowling coach as well. He was also the Athletic Director at Council Rock High School from 1965 to 1970 and was inducted into the CR sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

A barrage of sports has obviously always been a central part of the Borsavage brood.

Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com

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Borsavage siblings
from left - background: Jackie [John], Robert, Ed, 
from left- front Anna, Alice
Robert with his mother
Robert with his daughter, Joy
Robert with his grandsons & first great-grandson
Edward E. Borsavage, 85, of Plymouth, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015.
Born Nov. 19, 1929 in Plymouth, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna Strazdus Borsavage.
He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War, and had been a member of V.F.W. Shawnee Post 1425 of Plymouth. He attended Plymouth High School. His last employment had been at E.S.P. Concrete Pumping, and he previously had been employed at PP&L Power Plant, Salem Township. He had been a member of the Local Laborers Union, 215.
Throughout his life, Ed greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved spending time in his garden.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Agnes, Anna and Alice; and infant brother, Joseph Jr. Surviving are his loving wife of 49 years, the former Janet K. Minuski [*Janet was born on August 22, 1938 and passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016]; children, Edward Borsavage and his wife, Stacie, of Plymouth; Christina Williams and her husband, John, of Plymouth; and Brian Borsavage and his wife, Holly, of Dupont; six grandchildren, Tabitha, Damian, Bailey, Logan, John James, and Rylee; brothers, John (Jack) Borsavage and his wife, Nancy, of Plymouth; and Robert (Bob) Borsavage, of Bristol, Pa.; numerous nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his dear sister-in-law, Irene Minuski, who he always called his nurse/maid, and his dear family and friends. The funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth, with the Rev. Jack Jones officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Family and friends may call on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions, if desired, may be made to the First Reformed Church, 33 Willow St., Plymouth, PA. 18652.


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Anne Alice Borsavage Powell 1927-30 Sep 2011  
Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, USA / Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, USA
Anne Powell passed into eternal life with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family, Friday, September 30, 2011, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Born in Plymouth, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Stradzus Borsavage. Anne graduated from the Plymouth High School in 1944. She was a member of the First Welsh Baptist Church and had previously been a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, both of Plymouth. As a young woman, Anne worked at J.B. Carr's drugstore in Plymouth and later for the Wyoming Valley West School District at Central and Main Street schools for over 20 years on the custodial staff. Anne lived most of her life in Plymouth until she moved next to her daughter in Kingston. She was a constant helper and source of strength to Cheryl and her family. Due to her declining health, she resided at the Meadows Manor for the past three years. Her fellow residents and staff soon became her second family. Anne was strong in body, mind and spirit. Her entire life was dedicated to her family. Her personality won over anyone she touched. She was full of laughter, humor, wit and caring. Once you were part of her life she cared deeply for you forever. She will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. A special thank you goes to her physician for over 30 years, Dr. John Carey, and the entire staff of the Meadows Manor for their compassion and caring. Anne was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edwin R. Powell Sr., 27 years ago. She is survived by her three children, son Edwin and his wife, Nancy, of Benton, son James and his wife, Helen, of Bloomingdale, and daughter Cheryl Humphreys and her husband, Jay, of Kingston; grandchildren, Jacob and Nicholas Humphreys, Jimmy Powell and Mary Ann Powell Jackson, Michele Powell Wall and Edwin Powell III; great-grandchildren, Alexa and Jaycee Wall and Carter and Bryn Powell; sister, Alice Klemash, California, and Agnes (deceased); brothers, Jack Borsavage and Edward Borsavage of Plymouth, and Robert Borsavage of Philadelphia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning from the William A. Reese Funeral Chapel, 56 Gaylord Ave., Plymouth, with services officiated by her friend and pastor of the First Welsh Baptist Church, The Rev. Anita J. Ambrose. Burial will follow at Edge Hill Cemetery, West Nanticoke. Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday morning. Memorial donations may be made to First Welsh Baptist Church, 161 Girard Ave., Plymouth, PA 18651.

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Costic F. Borsavage, known to most in the area as "Ike", died on January 10, 2014 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. He was born in Plymouth, PA and was predeceased by his parents, Costic Charles and Rose Mary Shebloski Borsavage. He joins his wife Patricia Hawman of 45 years. He lived in his home on Doris Ave. in Holland for 60 years.
He will be dearly missed by his four sons, Costic Michael of Wrightstown, NJ, Peter and David of Holland, Dave's girlfriend Regina Wallace, Thomas and his wife Christine of Ivyland and his daughter Rebecca and his "fifth son" Harry Betz of Wrightstown, PA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Wade, Derek, and Jaclyn and great grandchildren Makenna and Abigail. He is also predeceased by his beloved sisters, Lillian Loke and Rose Gula.
Ike was a Council Rock Teacher from 1953 to 1984, he taught many Newtown residents how to drive. He taught driver's education, mathematics and social studies. He was the Basketball coach at Council Rock and the first soccer and bowling coach as well. Ike was the Athletic Director at Council Rock High School from 1965 to 1970 and was inducted in to the CR sports Hall of Fame in 1992.
Ike is a graduate of Plymouth High School in 1942, he lettered in Football, Basketball and baseball. He served in the US Army stateside during WWII from 1943 to 1946. He attended Temple University from 1946 to 1950 graduating with a bachelor's degree in education, and completed his Masters degree in education in 1954. He played Basketball for Temple and made the all area team in 1949-1950 as a senior he set several scoring records, including a 42-point single game at Convention Hall. He played with the Philadelphia Warriors during the 1950-1951 season. He was a member of the Newtown Legion Post #440, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, a member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. Ike like watching all sports and movies on television. He also loved his garden, and was especially proud of his tomato plants, which he shared with everyone. He was also a fisherman who enjoyed the pastime with his father and passed the love of fishing to his sons and grandsons. Some of his happiest times were spent on Sharbot Lake in Ontario, Canada, where he owned a cottage. He enjoyed the times there with his wife, Pat and in later years, with his sons, grandsons and his wonderful companion, his sister Rose. He also loved spending time in Florida on the Gulf Cost during the winters.
Relatives and friends are invited to Ike's memorial Life Celebration on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 from 6 to 8 PM at the Swartz/Givnish Funeral Home, 323 Washington Ave. Newtown, PA 215-968-3891.
Memorial contributions in Ike's name may be made to the Newtown American Legion Post #440, 41 Linden Ave, Newtown, PA or the American Legion Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 252, Newtown, PA 18940.

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Christhus M. Spadaccino (Perri) of Bristol, PA passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 15, 2020. She was 64 years old. She is survived by her loving husband James Spadaccino with whom she shared more than thirty years of marriage. Christhus was a devoted mother to Shawn Cunnane (Sara) and Jenna Spadaccino (Joe). She will be sadly missed by her sister Patricia Perri, her Aunt Toni Girotti, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Elizabeth “Chick” Perri and brother John Perri. Christhus was very compassionate. She worked for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 for fifteen years teaching autistic children. She always loved spending time with her family and friends and listening to her son play guitar. She was a nineteen-year Breast Cancer survivor; the bravest and strongest person her family ever knew. With all the adversity she experienced in her life she still managed to care for others. Whether that be through her cooking, talking with others, or lending a helping hand she remained positive and always remembered to laugh. Her laugh was so contagious. Due to current restrictions, her family would like family and friends to drive-by their home (410 Newport Road, Bristol, PA 19007) to celebrate her life on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 beginning at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions, in Christhus’ honor, may be made to the ARDS Foundation - 3330 Dundee Rd. Suite C4, Northbrook, IL 60062.

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Nancy Muchler Borsavage, 86, of Kingston, former longtime resident of Plymouth, passed away Monday, March 16, 2020, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Born March 22, 1933, in Plymouth. She was the daughter of the late William and Effie Watkins Muchler.
Nancy graduated from Plymouth High School. She was employed by Stapleton's Pharmacy, Plymouth. She was an Avon representative for 35 years. She was a former member of Franklin St. Primitive Methodist Church. Nancy loved cooking, canning and above all else taking care of her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school activities and sporting events. We will always remember her special smile, her caring heart and her warm embrace. Nancy was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph and William Muchler; sisters, Daisy Hughes; Lois Hardiman; and Arlene Allabaugh.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, John Borsavage, Kingston; daughter, Nancy Mazzillo, Kingston; son, John Borsavage Jr. and wife, Sharon, Plymouth; granddaughters, Melissa Mazzillo Stevens and husband, Mark, Kingston; Briana Borsavage, Plymouth; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Rylie Stevens, Kingston; and nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations can be sent to Northeast Sight Services and/or American Heart Association. Arrangements are by Williams-Hagen Funeral Home 114 W. Main St., Plymouth.