As an Air Force bombardier in World War II, Robert Hope Jr. flew the skies above Europe and North Africa because the needs of his country demanded he do so. But as a civilian back in Western Pennsylvania, his sister Ann Haldeman said, his feet stayed firmly planted on the ground.

"I don't think he got into an airplane after that. He'd had enough of that," said Ms. Haldeman, of Murrysville.

Mr. Hope never got enough, however, of helping those around him. After leaving the Air Force, he became a teacher and, later, was a principal at Wilkinsburg and Franklin Regional high schools for more than 40 years.

Mr. Hope, 83, of Delmont, died Thursday of complications related to surgery. His death came less than two weeks after that of his wife of 57 years, Norma.

Mr. Hope maintained the same dedication to his volunteer endeavors and his personal life as he did to his career. He kept busy after retirement with his service at Derry Presbyterian Church, as president of the board of directors at Ridgeview Park, and as a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He officiated football and basketball games, and was an avid and "very loud" supporter of his grandchildren's extracurricular activities, according to his eldest son, John, of Greensburg.

"He was a leader in almost everything he did, from being an interim high school principal, to football officiating," said John Hope.

In addition to his son and sister, he is survived by two other sons, Robert, of Bristow, Va., and Jay, of New Alexandria; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow at Rapp Funeral Home, 10940 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. The funeral will be held at Rapp at 11 a.m. Wednesday.