Robert Petrone

Robert L. Petrone, 75, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully December 30, 2017 with his family by his side.
Bob loved life. Whenever asked how he was feeling, his quick response was "with my hands". He always believed to "walk it off" would heal anything. He followed his father in the meat industry where he was a meat cutter for Akron Standard Meats and A.andP. It wasn't until 1969 when he built his addition on his home that he met Raymond Norman. Bob spent all of his hours reading and learning the construction industry. In 1975, he partnered with Raymond Norman to form R.C. Norman Construction Co., Inc. He has earned awards through the Home Builders Association for merchandizing and received the Tradesman of the year Award in 1978. He has been recognized by the Mayor of Cuyahoga Falls for his excellence in rehab homes. He has served on committees for the State Licensing Bill and Appeal of Sales Tax for Remodelers. His involvement with the Home Builders Association has included sitting on the board of directors. He has also served many positions with the Tri-County Chapter of NARI where he obtained the position of President in 1991. His many affiliates through the years have included the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce, United States Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. Bob owned and operated R.C. Norman Construction until 2014 when he sold the business to two valued employees to continue his legacy. He continued to hold the title of "President" until he was no longer capable. He worked hard to satisfy all his customers taking pride of each project and treating them as if they were his family.
In Bob's quiet time (which was very rare) he enjoyed boating and golfing. He liked his 1985 Rolls Royce and would wear his cap to chauffer his friends and family. He could be seen reading anything that had to do with the construction industry. His favorite reading material was non-fiction books and stories. There wasn't a subject that he didn't know. Bob was a member of the Grand Lodge of Masons #735 from 1975 to present. He also belonged to the Akron Tadmor Temple Shriners from 1977 to present. In 1984, he was inducted into the Royal Order of Jesters Akron Court # 80 where he held positions as Tragedian, Leading Man and Director in 1993. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge # 1923 in Cuyahoga Falls.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Pauline Margaret Petrone and sister Annette Butler. Bob leaves to cherish his memory, his bride of 56 years Kathleen (nee Wright), his children Kimberly (Stephen) Daugintis and Robert W. Petrone , 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bruce and Mary Helen Wright, Augustus and Marlene Mercurio, Timothy and Valerie Morrison, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, along with countless friends and colleagues. Bob will be missed by all the lives he has touched.
Visitation will be 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2018 in the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Jester services to follow at 8:13p.m. Memorial Services will be held 11a.m. SATURDAY at the First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Memorials may be made to The Humane Society of Greater Akron, 7996 Darrow Rd. Ste. 30, Twinsburg; or to a charity of one's choice.
Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.