Name: Robert Scott Baron
Age: 58 years old
Last seen: January 25, 2017
Location: Old Forge, Pennsylvania
Status: Still Missing
Case Information
58-year-old Robert Baron was last seen in Old Forge, Pennsylvania on January 25, 2017. He was reported missing when he failed to return home after leaving his restaurant.
Background
Robert Scott Baron was born on December 31, 1958. He is the father of a son and two daughters.
In 1961, Robert’s family bought Ghigiarelli’s, a pizza restaurant on 511 South Main Street in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. Robert eventually took over the business and worked there with his son at the time of his disappearance.
Disappearance
On January 25, 2017, Robert Baron and his son went to work as usual at Ghigiarelli’s, the pizza restaurant Robert owned in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. After finishing their shifts, Robert dropped his son off at his apartment in Old Forge around 10:00 pm.
Robert Baron never returned home that night and hasn’t been heard from since.
His wife initially assumed that Baron stayed overnight at the apartment above Ghigiarelli’s, as he often did, to accept the delivery of pizza dough which arrived at 7:00 am every morning.
On the morning of January 26, 2017, Baron failed to pick up his son for work and wasn’t responding to calls or texts. His son later arrived at the restaurant, but Robert Baron was nowhere to be seen. The pizza dough delivery was found outside untouched, and the apartment above the restaurant where Robert often slept was found empty.
His family filed a missing person’s report with the Old Forge Police Department that morning.
Investigation
Authorities found evidence of a struggle inside the restaurant, including bloodstains and a tooth in the utility sink, later determined to be Baron’s. His cellphone was left behind on top of the dishwasher in the kitchen.
His vehicle, a 2006 silver Hyundai Elantra, was found abandoned a few days later parked on Howard Street, less than a mile away from the restaurant, with excessive mud on the tires and a significant amount of bloodstains, also determined to be Baron’s.
On January 26, 2017, surveillance footage released by the family showed two unidentified men walking on South Main Street near the restaurant shortly after midnight. One man was reportedly pulling a suitcase which was missing from the apartment above the restaurant.
Robert’s family believes he was a victim of a botched robbery, and that he may have walked in on someone trying to rob the restaurant.
On March 28, 2023, it was announced that a new search for evidence in Robert’s disappearance was being conducted in the Connell’s Patch section of Old Forge. Human remains were found in a wooded area near Pagnotti Park during the search. Investigators are awaiting DNA results to confirm the identity.
I have spoken with the Baron family and remain hopeful that we can provide them with the closure they deserve. The search will continue, and for as long as it takes, to make sure we have left no stone unturned.
I want to thank the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, New York State Police, and their team of cadaver dogs, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Lackawanna County Detectives, and the Old Forge Police Department for their hard work and enthusiasm in our ongoing efforts to solve this case.
Although foul play is suspected in Robert’s disappearance, no persons of interest or suspects have been named in his case.
Whereabouts
Foul play is strongly suspected in Robert Baron’s disappearance. A $30,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Robert’s discovery.
The circumstances of Robert Baron’s disappearance remain unclear and his case is currently classified as missing. His case remains unsolved.
Appearance
Physical Description:
White male born on December 31, 1958. Robert has gray/brown hair, hazel eyes, stands 5’8 tall and weighs 185 pounds.
Distinctive Physical Features:
No information available.
Clothing and accessories:
Robert was last seen wearing a gray Penn State hooded sweatshirt, blue/black sweatpants, a black North Face jacket and black sneakers.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Robert Scott Baron please contact the Lackawanna County District Attorney at (570) 963-6717.
Resources & Further Information
Finding Robert Baron – Facebook
Robert Baron – The Vanished Podcast
News & Media Links
Family still searching for answers three years after restaurant owner goes missing – PA Homepage 01/2020
Pennsylvania family desperate for answers in disappearance of beloved Ghigiarelli’s Pizza owner missing since 2017 – NBC News 01/2020
The search for Robert Baron; investigation enters sixth year – PA Homepage 01/2020
Videos & Flyers
Does Robert have any other siblings , as when his family bought the restaurant , he would only have been over two years of age ? .
Who else would have gained by taking over the restaurant ? .
The period leading up to his dis appearance was there any disagreement between himself or any member of staff , did any members of staff leave the employ at this time ? .
Why as indicted was the video shown in 2019 , when the crime happened 2017 ? .
He did his shift , when did he start as he left at mid – night , and during his shift was it normally busy ? .