Robert "Bob" M. Smith

BARBERTON--Robert M. “Bob” Smith, “Papa”, 96 passed away peacefully March 7, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Born in Barberton, Ohio, April 3, 1921 to Merl & Antonetta (Toni) Smith, he grew up on Elm Street (Van Buren Ave.) and attended Washington Elementary and Barberton High School.  In 1936 his family moved to Kenmore and he graduated January 1938 as valedictorian of his class at Kenmore High School.  Bob attended the Barberton School of Commerce and worked at The Diamond Match Co. in Barberton from 1941 to 1953.  He also worked at Motor Cargo Co., in Akron and Consolidated Freightways in Richfield for 30 years.  In 1964, Bob was one of the founders of the  A/C  Credit  Union and was its first president.  He served over 27 years on the Board of Directors and as manager for 8 years.  Under his leadership, the A/C credit union grew from 10 members to a 46,000 member, $11 million financial institution.

While working at the Diamond Match Co., Bob met the love of his life Elizabeth (Bettie) Snyder and were married on September 14, 1946.  He was a convert to the Catholic faith, took instructions and was baptized at St. Augustine’s church along with his oldest son Greg in 1948.  He was a devout Catholic and was active in the Holy Name Society and Holy Hour Program for many years.  Bob was a self-taught piano player and played with a few small bands at many clubs, including the old Log Cabin, VFW and American Legion clubs in the Akron area.

Preceded in death by his wife Bettie of 50 years, in 1997, his father Merl in 1945, his mother Toni in 1984 and his sister Alice Kaiser in 1988; survived by his sons Greg (Catherine) Smith and Jeff Smith, daughters Connie Hartman and Janel (John) Vargo; Grandchildren Lynnea (Rod) Imhoff, Lori Lee, Chris Hartman, Malissa McCord (Steve), Chris Vargo (Dena), Julia Ellingwood, Sarah Smith (Jason) and Eddie Smith, great-grandchildren Joe Lee, Jordan Imhoff, Cayley Vargo, Charlotte Wigley, Gregor McCord, Dylan McCord and Sierra McCord.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Kathy Dana.

Bob’s family would like to thank the Morris family and staff at Pleasant Pointe Assisted Living and Pleasant View Health Care Center in Barberton for the tender care they gave Bob for almost 5 years.

Bob was a dedicated family man and the patriarch of his family for 70 years.  His family was blessed to have him as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dear friend for so many years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 204 Sixth St. NW, Barberton. Entombment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Calling Hours Sunday from 3-6 P.M. at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton, where prayers will be said on Monday at 12:30 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Augustine Endowment Fund. To share a memory or send a condolence please visit www.silva-hostetler.com (330-825-8700)

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