Robert J. Hess' Obituary
Robert John Hess of Hinckley, Ohio lost his battle to dementia and heart failure on the afternoon of July 9, 2021. Although Bob left his life here on earth, one thing is for sure, he also left behind a legacy that will live on forever.
Bob was born on May 1, 1930, in Cleveland Ohio, and was the seventh child of nine children. He grew up in a small one-bedroom home and didn’t have much, that was until he met the love of his life when he was just 16 years old. Through a close friend, Bob met Elizabeth Riolo and knew that he was going to marry this woman the moment he laid eyes on her. They knew each other for two years before they decided to run away and get married, against the will of their parents. On June 3, 1948, at the young age of 18 (Bob) and 16 (Elizabeth), Elizabeth’s uncle drove the two to Kentucky where they sealed their promise at a local courthouse.
Two short years later, Bob was called off to fight in the Korean war. During his time in the army, they moved from Ohio to Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, and then found out that they were pregnant with their first child, Rosemary. They moved to Cape Cod before moving back home to Ohio. Bob served until the Korean war was over and then returned to his sweetheart.
Upon Bob’s return, Elizabeth’s father introduced him to his second love- bricklaying. Bob was one of the best bricklayers in Ohio with teams of men who worked under him to create beautiful homes, buildings and structures. From this point forward, Bob built almost every single house that he and Elizabeth lived in. Ten out of the twelve homes were crafted by Bob’s own two hands. While living in those homes, Bob and Elizabeth grew their family and had six more beautiful children- Darlene, Deborah, Elizabeth, Teresalyn, Patricia and Robert.
In August 1963, Bob’s life changed forever when he was called by the Lord and saved at the Cathedral of Tomorrow under the Rex Humbard ministry in Akron, Ohio. Bob lived a Godly life. He taught Sunday School to high school students and seniors, where he was respected and loved. His passion for sharing the word of God radiated when he spoke.
Bob enjoyed traveling in the truck and camper with his 7 kids, fishing, mowing the lawn, spreading the word of God and spending time with his family. Included in his family were also his 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Bob was young at heart and had a joyous sense of humor, never failing to have a smile on his face. He also had a real knack for storytelling, especially stories about his adventures with his brother, Wiff. But above all else, Bob loved being in the presence of his wife. Bob and Elizabeth were married for 73 years and were inseparable. His love for her was evident to everyone who met him. Even during his battle with dementia, Elizabeth’s presence was the sole thing that always gave him comfort.
Bob Hess was a man who will always be remembered. There’s no doubt that he had a great impact on every person who crossed his path. Although there is a missing piece in all of our hearts, we know that Bob is laying the bricks to the path to welcome his family with him in Heaven one day.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 3-7 PM in the Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Rd. North Olmsted, where the Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 12 PM. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
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