W. Robert "Bob" Melnik

Walter Robert “Bob” Melnik, 88, of New Franklin, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023. He was born in Akron, Ohio, on September 18, 1934, to the late Walter and Anna (Valatka) Melnik.

Bob graduated from South High School in 1952 and went on to work for Goodyear Aerospace for over 35 years. He began his career as a draftsman, where he participated in the design of airships and later defense systems and airplane wheel and brakes. He finished his career in Human Resources Management. 

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was married to Norma Jean Melnik (Dull) for over 69 years. They met at Goodyear Aerospace across the drafting table.

Bob was a master gardener who left this legacy to his entire family.  He enthusiastically shared his garden's abundance with his family and friends. He was also a lover of polka dancing, a frequent poet, a great story teller, a voracious reader, an avid athlete, and a past winner of Goodyear Tire's Litchfield Medal for outstanding athletes . He was also a master pierogi maker who conducted numerous seminars on the topic.

Bob will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of life, and his zest for living. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean, of the home; his children Gary Michael (Kerri) of Louisville, KY, Judith Protacio (husband Romeo) of New Franklin, and Karen Rhodes of Concord, NC; his grandchildren, Chelsea Graham (Jeremey), Stacy Hicks (Robbie), Nathan Melnik, Matt (Laura), Todd (Liz), Joe (Erica), Erin Crites (Mike), Nicole Melnik, Jacob Melnik, and Catherine Melnik; 7 great-grandchildren; and brothers Donald Melnik of New Franklin and Dennis (Susan) Melnik of Stow.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert Douglas Melnik, granddaughter Katie Rhodes, and sisters Patricia Hopper and Nancy (Ronald) Ward.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Silva-Hostetler Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. W., Barberton.  

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 28th, at the funeral home. Per Bob’s wishes, cremation will follow and burial of ashes will take place in Clinton Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

The  family would like to thank all of his care givers over the past few years, especially the staff at Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center.

Bob was a larger-than-life personality who lit up the room with his presence. He will be sorely missed.

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