Robert Edward Norman

Bob Norman, age 93, entered into a well-deserved rest and peace on October 19, 2023 after a long struggle following a major stroke in June of last year.

He was a graduate of Garfield High School and attended the University of Akron before leaving to raise a family.  Bob was a hard worker his entire life and never stopped working until his last breath.  He valued a strong work ethic in others as well.   He loved his family and worked hard to provide for them, at first doing concrete and asphalt work and then 30 years at Goodyear Tire, for many years doing both.  In his retirement, he was always looking for a project and was eager to help his family.  Just when a car repair or home improvement project seemed the most impossible and overwhelming, “The Cavalry” in the form of Dad would come to the rescue and make it look easy.  He had a knack for engineering ingenious solutions that would leave us scratching our heads.  No sacrifice for his family was ever too big, all of it given in love with never a word.

Along with his wife Dawn, he raised his family in Akron and Copley before building a home in Fairlawn in 1973.  He created beautiful gardens around it that were admired by many.  He was an active member of the Pennsylvania & Ohio Rod & Gun Club and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of the annual deer hunting camp in Pennsylvania for over 50 years.

Bob knew he was given a second chance after his stroke.  Setting an example for us all, he used that gift to try to right wrongs, ask for forgiveness and to daily express his love.  There was no quit in him, not one ounce, ever.  Life was precious and he fought for every second of it. He defined courage and bravery.

Bob was born in Akron, but was proud of his family roots in Clay and Spencer, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Winnie & Delsie Norman,  siblings Theodore, Edith, James, Gregory and Douglas and sons Blake and Leslie (Bonnie).   He deeply mourned the loss in recent years of his best friends and hunting companions:  Bill Graham, Dick Leslie, Glenn Fahey, and brother Doug.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dawn (nee Thompson). Until the end, he wanted it clearly known how much he loved and cared for her.   He was very proud of each of his sons and his whole extended family.   His legacy continues in Terrence (Kathleen), Mark (Sue Daugherty), Curt (Jill) and Miles (MaryElizabeth)  as well as in grandchildren Emily (Dylan) Moore, Olivia, Sarah, Jack, Jeremiah and Isaiah,  great-granddaughter Penny, sisters Barbara (Neil) Turner and Nancy Sidwell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special thanks goes to Bob’s sister Nancy, who faithfully and selflessly helped care for Dad through a hard 15 months.  We literally couldn't have done it without her.  Dad also had many very special, incredible caregivers at Windsong and Brookdale-Montrose and we are grateful for their compassionate hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Haven of Rest (havenofrest.org) or The Chapel in Green (tcig.org), who have faithfully visited for many months.

Calling hours will be held on Monday October 23 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, where services will also be held on Tuesday at 11:00 am.

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