Charles R. Obendorf

Charles R. “Bob” Obendorf, 96, of Cuyahoga Falls passed away Monday, January 3^rd. Bob was a proud member of “the greatest generation” having joined the Navy at 16 and serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and was recalled and served again during the Korean conflict. Upon returning home he began his sales career at Jones Buick in Cuyahoga Falls where he met his future wife when he sold her a car. He continued in the car business until 1962 when he joined Prudential Insurance from where he retired. Not one to sit still, he worked into his seventies at the Acme in Hudson.

Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Patricia (nee Backe), and infant son Scott Andrew. He leaves behind to mourn his loss a son Charles (Tami) and a daughter Lisa Kehoe (Bill), grandchildren Elizabeth Schneck (Dan), Kristin Usberghi, and Matthew Obendorf (Kelly). He also was great grandfather to five: Jack Usberghi, Hannah, Natalie, and Ava Schneck, and Elle Obendorf.

Bob was a generous soul. As a child he always wanted a bicycle but his family could not afford one. As an adult, anytime he saw a discarded bicycle he would pick it up and restore it then give it to Good Neighbors for an underprivileged youth to enjoy. He redid over 125 bicycles and was recognized in 2007 by NBC Nightly News as their Person of the Week. This legacy was continued through the Bob’s Bikes program in conjunction with Hudson Rotary and the school auto shop class.

Bob was an avid racing fan.  He raced dirt cars after returning from the war.  He enjoyed the Indy 500 and was proud to attend the race live in 2002 as a guest of Team Penske. He had attended many different years of qualifying days as well. Later, family always got together to watch the race with him.

Visitation will be at the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home on Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls on Friday January 6, 2023, from 10-11 AM, with a service to follow at 11 AM. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Northlawn Cemetery.  If you would like to make a donation in his name, please send it to the Wounded Warriors Project.