Robert Penovich passed away on July 8, 2016 in Medina, Ohio unexpectedly of natural causes. For the past 9 years, Bob has been living at the Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, 7 of those with his bride of nearly 69 years, Zora. Prior to that they lived in Brecksville, Massillon, and Canton, Ohio, Beaver, Pa., and South Windsor, CT. Robert, who was always called Bob, was a warm and wonderful soul who valued his family and friends and his country. Bob was born on January 5, 1923 in Cleveland to parents Lazlo and Milka Penovich who immigrated from Serbia to America prior to 1900. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Zora and infant daughter Donna: parents; his sisters Julia Lonchar and Caroline Mandich and his brother Steve Penovich. He is survived by daughters, Patricia Penovich-Moriarty of St. Paul, MN, Kathy Kirk of Medina, and Nancy Buxser of Indianapolis, IN; 6 grandchildren: Brendan Moriarty, Meaghan Moriarty, Juddson Kirk, Jarrod Kirk, Nathan Buxser and Aaron Buxser; and two great-grandsons, Brody Kirk and Avery Moriarty. Bob was a 1941 graduate of Collinwood High School in Cleveland and grew up as a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Cleveland; later he was a member over 50 years of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Canton and served on its board. Bob served as a B-17 pilot and was stationed in Framingham, England. And subsequently has been an avid supporter of the 390th Bomb Group. He received his Bachelor' of Science and Masters Degrees from Case University. He worked at Cleveland Chain and then joined Republic Steel eventually becoming Division Manager for Union Drawn. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Brecksville. When not working, Bob loved to play golf and later became a master woodworker. He championed his daughter's activities and education. His attention to detail could be seen in his landscaping skills. Bob had a loving heart and high standards. He loved to teach and to share the history of WWII with the younger generations. He and Zora provided a foundation of love, honesty and acceptance from which their family could and did thrive and flourish. On Thursday, July 14, visiting hours will be at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Rd. Canton from 5-7 pm. Pomen at 7 pm. Funeral Services will be on Friday, July 14 at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 1 hour viewing at 9 am and services at 10 am at 4667 Applegrove St NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720 with Father Aleksa Pavichevich. A memory luncheon will be held in the Church Hall immediately following the service. Burial will follow at St. Theodosius Orthodox Cemetery, 8200 Biddulph Rd, Cleveland, OH 44144. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church or the 390th Bomb Group are appreciated.

Published in The Default Newspaper on Jul. 11, 2016.