ROBERT EDWARD KING

Robert E King, Sr. (Bob), 85, of Berea, OH, entered into rest on March 21, 2023. He passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jackie (nee Mlakar); as well as his children Robert Jr. (Theresa), Lynda Joesten (Jon) and Cheri Posner (Mark); his grandchildren Danielle New (deceased), Zachary New (Tiffany), Anthony New (Monica), Ryan Posner, Evan Posner, Abby King, Riley King, Leah Joesten and Nolan King; his great grandchildren Adrian, Nadia, Caelyn, Ian, Jaxon, Embree, Raelyn, Haizley and Carsen; and his brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Tamera Mlakar. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sally Nelson, and brother Jack Richard King. Bob was born on September 2, 1937, in Washington, PA, and lived in many locations around Ohio during his childhood. After graduating from Parma High School in 1956, he went on to study Architecture at Ohio University. After graduation, he met Jackie through a youth group at Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma, OH. The two married in 1958 and moved to Berea to start their family.

Bob became a State Farm Agent in 1963, and built his agency in Berea, Ohio. At that time, he became very active in the community, serving as Ward 2 Councilman. He also owned Sea King Auto Wash, built “Off the Wall” Racquetball Club in Strongsville, OH, and sponsored and played in a softball league at Groza Field where they had a great rivalry with the Polish Village Team. He also was a member of Edgewater Yacht Club. Bob was a great patriot and valued businessman for more than 60 years.

Throughout his life, Bob had many hobbies and interests that always kept him busy. These included playing golf and racquetball, sailing, planting flowers, growing tomatoes, feeding the squirrels, loving his dogs (Lexie and Rosie), and making and repairing golf clubs. He also loved traveling across the country with his bride in their prized motor home, which they affectionately named “Somewhere in Time” after a favorite movie that took place at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan. They visited there for their 50 th wedding anniversary celebration. He recently said that his most favorite trip in the motor home was to the Grand Canyon.

From day one, Bob led his family with love. He cared enough to know what was important to each of them, and then he showed up – to weddings, graduations, sporting events, awards assemblies, plays, dance recitals, performances, and birthday parties. He was their historian, mentor, playmate, nurturer, role model and joke teller. He did whatever needed to be done to help them all succeed and feel loved.

He always showed up. In the end, death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Farewell dearest Dad, Bob, Baseball Bob, Papa, Grandpa. You are forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to either St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers in Robert's name. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday March 27, 2023 in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Final Resting Place will be Woodvale Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 - 5 PM at THE A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO (WEST of I-71)  

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