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YOUNGSTOWN -- Roark E. Anderson, 73, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
Roark was born on Aug. 30, 1952, to Carl Anderson and Florence Shea.
He grew up in the Youngstown-Austintown area. He graduated from Fitch High School in 1970.
He was an accomplished plasterer, and was one of the gifted masters who gave life back to the Stambaugh Auditorium during its renaissance. His true fulfillment in life was being meticulous with his work and achieving perfect outcomes.
Above all else, Roark enjoyed helping people. He liked to boat and fish and went to Lake Erie every year.
As a man of God, he believed in Jesus, which showed in his daily work. He followed the footsteps of his father, Carl Oscar Anderson, who also showed his love of God.
His passions involved his music, friends and family. As a true Scandinavian man, he was loved by everyone. If you became his friend, the bond was unbreakable.
When he was born, his grandparents were elated. However, his poor grandmother, Elizabeth Anderson, was unable to pronounce "Roark" due to her Parkinson's disease. So, she called him "Pum Pum," and the name stuck forever, even into heaven.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, whom he loved dearly; his sister, Carla Murray; two stepdaughters, Becky and Donna; his niece and nephew, Lisa and David Anderson; and his cousins, Elaine Tidball and her sister, Linda, Dr. Charles E. (Kathleen) Wilkins, Richard D. (Valerie) Wilkins Sr., Jack Wilkins, Richard D. (Marcy) Wilkins Jr., Elizabeth M. Wilkins, Julia I. Wilkins, Robert Anderson and Mary Elizabeth Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Anderson and Florence Shea; his brother, Larry; his grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
We will forever miss Roark "Pum Pum" and know he is in heaven with God. Setting an actual flaming Swedish longboat adrift with a body on board (which is illegal in Sweden); thus, there will be no services, as Roark requested.
Arrangements for Mr. Anderson have been entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH, 44515. The obituary may be viewed and condolences sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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