NORTH BLOOMFIELD — Robert J. “Bob” Barbe, age 85, passed away Monday morning, Oct. 8, 2012, at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, Ohio, following a short illness.
Robert was born Dec. 9, 1926, in Lockwood, Ohio, the son of Stanley and Mary Kilgore Barbe.
He worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1945-1946 and served as a Mess Sergeant. Upon discharge, he worked as an owner/operator forming R J Barbe Trucking, starting with a single truck and building the business to 14 trucks and a full-service garage. During that time, Bob also worked for the Bloomfield-Mespo School District as a bus driver until his retirement in 1997, completing 40 years of service. Following retirement, he focused on managing the garage business.
Bob also enjoyed gardening, auctions and enlarging his fleet of John Deere lawnmowers, as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren.
On May 21, 1960, he married his wife, Patricia Crosby, with whom he enjoyed 52 years of marriage.
In 1982, he was instrumental in the development of the North Bloomfield Volunteer Fire Department and the Firemen’s Association. He was a charter member of the Bloomfield Optimist Club and also a member of the Cortland Post of the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; two children, Jay (Sharon) Barbe of West Farmington and Linda (Matt) Schaffer of Norwalk; grandchildren, Amanda, Jefferey, Angela, Ericka, Andrew, Samantha, Lauren, Lindsey and Brendan; five great-grandchildren; sister, DoraMae (Richard) Peterson; brothers, James Barbe and Ralph (Carrie) Barbe; his sister-in-law, Virginia Barbe; brother-in-law, Harold Bates; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Martha Barbe Bates; and brother, William Barbe; as well as his beloved dog “Milo”.
Funeral Services officiated by The Rev. Vernon Palo with The Rev. Jody Baker assisting, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12th, at PAINE-GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, 140 E. Main St., Orwell, Ohio. Interment will follow at the Sager Cemetery, Bristolville Township, with Military Honors. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11th, at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in Robert’s name to: North Bloomfield Fire Department, Bristol Fire Department, Animal Rescue Organization or the cancer fund of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.
Arrangements by PAINE-GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, Orwell. Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
