On a summer day in June 2020, the community of Harding, Pennsylvania, was shaken by the violent death of one of its most dedicated members. Robert Francis Kile, a 57-year-old male, was fatally shot near his home, a place where he had built a life of service and family. The incident, which occurred on June 19, stemmed from an ongoing property dispute with a neighbor, a disagreement that would ultimately have devastating consequences.
Robert, known affectionately as Bob, was a man deeply
embedded in his community. He was the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief and Vice President of the Mt. Zion Bicentennial Fire Company, a role that highlighted his commitment to the safety and well-being of his neighbors. His dedication extended to numerous other positions, including serving as the Exeter Township Supervisor Chairman and as a volunteer for several other local fire and ambulance associations. Beyond his volunteer work, he was an employee of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for a decade and had previously served in the United States Army and the National Guard.
The man responsible for Robert's death was his neighbor, Peter Gillis. On that fateful day, the long-simmering dispute over property escalated into a fatal confrontation. Witnesses reported seeing Gillis shoot Robert multiple times while the victim stood in his own driveway with his hands raised. The senseless act of violence cut short the life of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the community mourned the loss of a man described as a hero and a pillar of his community. A candlelight vigil was held at his home, where friends and family gathered to remember a man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. In a lasting tribute to his service, a portion of Route 92 in Exeter Township was officially renamed the Robert F. Kile Sr. Memorial Highway.
The legal process moved forward, and Peter Gillis was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The case went to trial, and in September 2023, a jury convicted him of the crime. In November of that same year, Gillis was sentenced to life in prison, ensuring that he would be held accountable for the tragic and unnecessary death of Robert Francis Kile.
