Robert (Bob) Rich

Robert (Bob) Rich passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the age of 89.  He was a very dedicated and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle and will be dearly missed.  He was born on August 13, 1931 and was a lifelong resident of Akron, OH.  He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Roma Rich and his wife of nearly 44 years, Sally (Alexander) Rich.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Leslie (Rodger) Redd and Barbara (John) Jeter; his grandchildren, Bobby (Lauren) Redd, Jenna (Mitchell) Koellner, LeeAnna Redd, and Christina Jeter; his sister, JoAnn Schoonover, and his loving partner, Nancy Bosshard.

Bob was a graduate of the Garfield High School class of 1950 and joined the United States Air Force in 1951.  He was a staff sergeant serving as an aircraft jet engine mechanic until 1955.

Bob enjoyed a very full life.  One of his most cherished memories included his vacations to “the cottage” on Lake Huron with his family and lifelong special friends. We spent nearly 44 years there enjoying long days at the beach, quiet evenings on the porch watching the ships pass by, bonfires, cocktail hours, late dinners, water skiing, and sailboat races.  He had a storied career spanning close to 4 decades with Ohio Bell and was a lifelong member of the Ohio Bell Pioneers.  After retirement he became a consultant for AT & T that took him overseas to Poland.  Upon full retirement, he began a life of travel.  He especially enjoyed a cross country United States road trip and his trip to Italy, where he saw his father’s childhood home.  He spent many winters with Nancy in Estero, Florida enjoying Bocce tournaments, many neighborhood gatherings and entertaining visitors.  He had a love of golf, spent many years with the Ohio Bell golf league and golfed whenever he could.  His highest achievement on the course happened just one month shy of his 88th birthday when he shot his first hole in one!

Bob adored his grandchildren and was the best Papa anyone could ask for. He was always there for them and was their biggest fan.  He loved watching their football, softball, cheerleading and baseball games. They will all miss him dearly. Bob was blessed to have a very close relationship with his nieces, Dana (John) and Julie; nephews, Mike (Ramona) and Mark (deceased) and their children.

We all have lost a special soul.  He will be sorely missed by many and especially by the family he dedicated his life to.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the Cleveland Clinic Hospice Justin T. Rogers Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road Akron, OH 44333; the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or a charity of your choice.

The family will be receiving friends Wednesday, March 3rd at 12:00 noon with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:00 pm at St. Hilary Church located at 2750 W. Market Street Fairlawn, OH.  The family asks that all COVID safety practices be followed by the wearing of face coverings and maintaining social distancing.  Private family burial to follow.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.