Obituary of Robert Samuel Quel

Robert "Rob" Samuel Quel, 51, of Forest, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017, at Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rob was the loving and devoted father to three children of whom he was immensely proud: Bo, Miranda, and Faith. In 2012 Rob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzette Jean Wright Quel who, like Rob, lives on in the joyful memories of their children and many, many others. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, to Robert and Carol (Price) Quel, Rob graduated from Clarion University and found his calling in Lynchburg, Virginia as an educator. First a teacher and coach at E.C. Glass High School, Rob moved into administration and over the years held positions at Sandusky Middle School, Linkhorne Elementary, E.C. Glass, Bedford Hills Elementary, and in the department of information technology. Rob's passion for education and his sincere desire to make meaningful differences in the lives of young people was a driving force in all aspects of his life. Rob was dedicated to raising his three children, teaching and coaching the children of Lynchburg, and sharing his faith with members of youth groups and on mission trips. As an active member of Freedom Baptist Church, Rob was unashamed and unrelenting in his desire to serve the Lord, to bring people together, and to show love to those around him; in all things he did, he lived life without restraint. As a swim coach for E.C. Glass, the Lynchburg YMCA, Peakland, Poplar Forest, and Wildwood, Rob helped mentor hundreds of young swimmers, many of whom attribute their adult success to the life lessons that Rob taught them from the pool deck. While Rob was proud of the many accomplishments of his students and swimmers, none were more dear to him than the academic and athletic accomplishments of his children. Those who knew Rob, knew how proud he was of his children. With a larger than life personality and an infectious sense of humor, Rob was committed to the relationships he formed, not only with students and swimmers, but also with his colleagues and friends. Rob will be remembered for his impeccable taste in bow ties and socks, his fanaticism for his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams, and for the fact that, no matter how busy his life became, Rob was never too busy to help someone in need, often giving time to his friends and community even when he had little to spare. Rob is survived by one son, Robert Nicholas "Bo" Quel; two daughters, Miranda Price Quel and Faith Foster Quel, all of Forest; his mother and father, Carol Price Quel and Robert Quel of Monroeville, PA; his sister Jennifer Quel Barkey (Daniel); his brother, David John Scott Quel (Rebecca); his father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Patricia Wright. Additionally, Rob is survived by his dear friend Katie Marotta, and her five children: Christopher, Michael, Jack, Caroline, and William. A celebration of Rob's life and faith will be held Thursday, September 7, at 4:30 p.m., at Freedom Baptist Church (1595 Turkey Foot Rd.) with the Rev. John Thompson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately after the service at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miranda or Faith's 529 College Scholarship Fund at any BB&T Bank. DIUGUID FUNERAL SERVICE AND CREMATORY -WATERLICK CHAPEL, 237-2722, is serving the family. On-line condolences may be made to: www.diuguidfuneralservice.com