Robert Joseph Repas' Obituary
Robert Repas Obituary
Robert Joseph Repas, 83, passed away at his home in Elyria Township, surrounded by family, Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Bob was born November 22, 1933 in Cleveland Heights to Mary Repas (nee Fabina). Bob was a 1951 graduate of Clearview High School, where he met Bonnie, the love of his life and wife of 65 years. He also attended the University of Toledo. A skilled carpenter by trade, Bob accumulated 28 years of experience in the commercial and heavy construction industry with responsibilities ranging from journeyman tradesman to project management. He served as a union representative, business agent and was an executive secretary with the AFL-CIO. Later in life, Bob began a second career in the asbestos abatement industry that spanned 33 years. He founded and operated an environmental services consulting firm and was recognized internationally as an industry expert. He was a faculty member, author and lecturer at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Environmental Institute of Marietta, Georgia. Bob also authored and reviewed sections of the US EPA required curriculum on asbestos. At the time of his death, Bob was the Fiscal Officer for Elyria Township, serving since 2008. Working with the Board of Trustees, Bob pursued numerous projects that will continue to serve the Township for many years. He secured grants and implemented improvements at the Township's Rowland Nature Preserve including trails, parking, playground equipment, a fishing platform and other amenities. He set up several successful fire levy campaigns and assisted in securing and implementing grants for improvements of the township's roadways and sewers. Additionally, he helped the township join NOPEC, lowering gas and electric bills for its residents. Most recently, Bob assisted in securing the sale of the cell tower at the township complex allowing the purchase of a new fire truck that is now on order at no cost to township residents. Prior to his responsibilities as Fiscal Officer for Elyria Township, Bob served his community as a member of the Elyria City School Board including two terms as its President. Bob was a voracious reader, had a tremendous memory and enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends. He loved archery, aviation and traveling with his wife. He served as President of the Ohio Archers Association and was instrumental in contributing to the safety of the sport through public awareness. Bob was an avid story teller and a proud, loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie (nee Suhy); four children, Bob (Suzanne Barth) Repas, Jr. of Elyria, Laura (Bill) Leitner of Elyria, Lee Ann (Rick) Underman of Westerville, Ohio and Robin (Sherry) Repas of Elyria; six grandchildren, Leann (Josh) Freeman, Rebecca Leitner, John (Abby) Underman, James Leitner, Jared Repas and Mason Repas and seven great-grandchildren, Paige, Marleigh, Elliott, Claire, Julian, Jay and Tucker. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, George Repas and his sister, Mary Ann Seskar (nee Repas). A private memorial was held by family. Donations in Bob's memory may be directed to the Elyria Township Fire Department for training, community education and equipment: Robert J. Repas Memorial Donations: Attn: Cathy Fern/Elyria Township Complex, 41416 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH 44035-2324. Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elyria was in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com Robert Joseph Repas, 83, passed away at his home in Elyria Township, surrounded by family, Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Bob was born November 22, 1933 in Cleveland Heights to Mary Repas (nee Fabina).Bob was a 1951 graduate of Clearview High School, where he met Bonnie, the love of his life and wife of 65 years. He also attended the University of Toledo.A skilled carpenter by trade, Bob accumulated 28 years of experience in the commercial and heavy construction industry with responsibilities ranging from journeyman tradesman to project management. He served as a union representative, business agent and was an executive secretary with the AFL-CIO.Later in life, Bob began a second career in the asbestos abatement industry that spanned 33 years. He founded and operated an environmental services consulting firm and was recognized internationally as an industry expert. He was a faculty member, author and lecturer at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Environmental Institute of Marietta, Georgia. Bob also authored and reviewed sections of the US EPA required curriculum on asbestos.At the time of his death, Bob was the Fiscal Officer for Elyria Township, serving since 2008. Working with the Board of Trustees, Bob pursued numerous projects that will continue to serve the Township for many years. He secured grants and implemented improvements at the Township's Rowland Nature Preserve including trails, parking, playground equipment, a fishing platform and other amenities. He set up several successful fire levy campaigns and assisted in securing and implementing grants for improvements of the township's roadways and sewers. Additionally, he helped the township join NOPEC, lowering gas and electric bills for its residents. Most recently, Bob assisted in securing the sale of the cell tower at the township complex allowing the purchase of a new fire truck that is now on order at no cost to township residents.Prior to his responsibilities as Fiscal Officer for Elyria Township, Bob served his community as a member of the Elyria City School Board including two terms as its President.Bob was a voracious reader, had a tremendous memory and enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends. He loved archery, aviation and traveling with his wife. He served as President of the Ohio Archers Association and was instrumental in contributing to the safety of the sport through public awareness. Bob was an avid story teller and a proud, loving grandfather and great-grandfather.Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie (nee Suhy); four children, Bob (Suzanne Barth) Repas, Jr. of Elyria, Laura (Bill) Leitner of Elyria, Lee Ann (Rick) Underman of Westerville, Ohio and Robin (Sherry) Repas of Elyria; six grandchildren, Leann (Josh) Freeman, Rebecca Leitner, John (Abby) Underman, James Leitner, Jared Repas and Mason Repas and seven great-grandchildren, Paige, Marleigh, Elliott, Claire, Julian, Jay and Tucker.He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, George Repas and his sister, Mary Ann Seskar (nee Repas).A private memorial was held by family.Donations in Bob's memory may be directed to the Elyria Township Fire Department for training, community education and equipment: Robert J. Repas Memorial Donations: Attn: Cathy Fern/Elyria Township Complex, 41416 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH 44035-2324.Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elyria was in charge of arrangements.For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com
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