Robert Alan "Bob" Kennedy

Bob Kennedy, Class of 1987, died unexpectedly at his home Sunday, April 30. He was 58.
Bob was well known for his public address announcement duties at Otterbein (football, basketball and volleyball), The Ohio State University (where he was known as the voice of Buckeye football but also worked with baseball, men's and women's soccer, field hockey, women's hockey games, and as a fill-in for men's basketball) and Columbus Clippers, and for his on-air time, most recently at WDLR Radio.
A 1983 graduate of Big Walnut High School, Bob was recruited by the late Dr. Jim Grissinger for Otterbein's new speech communications department.
As an Otterbein student, and in the 36 years since, Bob was behind a microphone announcing games in his inimitable style. Fellow classmate and former OC basketball player Steve Brown noted that Bob was, "a true professional in his profession." Whether it was Div. III or Div. I, a crowd of a few hundred or a packed house at Ohio Stadium, Bob took pride in his work, prepared thoroughly, and strived to give his best. And in doing so, he elevated the game for players and fans alike.
In his GoFundMe tribute, former OC basketball player Phil Susi '05 wrote that it was Bob's kindness and his passion and energy for his craft and life that stand out to him.
In 2002, the "O" Club bestowed upon Bob its highest honor, the Outstanding Service Award, for his contributions to Otterbein athletics.
Robert Alan Kennedy was born in Columbus on December 15, 1964, and raised in Sunbury. He was the only child of the late Paul Roger Kennedy (1928-2002) and Betty Jane Middleton Kennedy (1931-2016).
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wm. Robert and Bessie Wilkins Kennedy, and Harold V. and Myrtle Gordon Middleton; aunts, Phyllis A. Middleton and Sandra (Philip) Middleton Coolbaugh; and uncles, Wm. Richard and John R. Kennedy.
Bob is survived by cousins, Shelley (Steve) Cain and Patsy Polito; and nieces Alexis Pfaub and Alyssa Pfaub.
A Celebration of Life service followed by a reception will be held Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., at New Life Church, 3690 N Stygler Rd, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Guests are encouraged to wear team apparel.
Bob's cremains will be buried privately at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, where his parents and grandparents are buried.
A GoFundMe page was established in Bob's memory at https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-bob-kennedy