ROBERT JAMES KOLODGY

FUNERAL HOME

Ferfolia Funeral Home

356 West Aurora Road

Sagamore Hills, Ohio

ROBERT KOLODGY Obituary

KOLODGY ROBERT JAMES KOLODGY SR., was familiar with how to address a grim prognosis with perseverance, hope and realism . . . he was a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. As an engineer and Science Fair judge, he was also uniquely adept at methodical problem solving. So, when Robert (Bob) was diagnosed with lung cancer, he did not bemoan his state. He looked at the situation, knew survival was a cause worth pursuing, and got down to business. And although he passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the age of 77 from complications of the disease, he far outlived all the doctors' estimates, all the while increasing his family's already significant admiration for him. They will remember him as a pragmatic fighter who knew what he wanted and decisively pursued it. Bob was born on April 18, 1935 to parents Peter and Helen Kolodgy. He grew up on the East Side of Cleveland, where he graduated from John Adams High School and attended Purdue University and Western Reserve University. He exhibited his trademark certainty early on in marrying his high school sweetheart, Beverly Kolodgy (Sallay) in September of 1956. Together, they raised three children, Robert J. Kolodgy Jr., Peter Kolodgy and Susan Kubick (Kolodgy), who all appreciated his straightforward, no-nonsense advice on topics from Science Fair to work to bringing up children. Bob stuck by Beverly's side through 1996, when she passed away from lymphoma. In 1999, he married Nancy Kolodgy (nee Straka) in Hudson, OH., where they lived together happily, and Bob filled his days attending grandchildren's activities, building and flying remote control planes and working with Nancy on many volunteer projects. Robert is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Nancy; children Robert J. Jr. (Kathleen), Peter M. (Cheryl) and Susan D. Kubick (Dan); and his grandchildren, Megan (Scott), Drew, Samantha (Jeff), Patrick, Kristen (Andrew), Emily, Timothy and Mary. He was predeceased by late wife, Beverly Kolodgy; and his parents, Peter and Helen. Stepfather of Chuck Straka (Elaine), David Straka (Barbara), Douglas Straka (Lena), Susan Alberson (Duane); stepgrandfather of Charlie (Jessica), Leah (Syris), Jessica (Matt), Stephen, Allison (Talon), Eric, Adam, Jacob and Matt; stepgreatgrand-father of Ashley, Braydon, Audrey and Eden. Friends may call at the FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA RD. (RT. 82), SAGAMORE HILLS, where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. VISITATION SUNDAY 2-6 P.M. AND MONDAY 10 A.M. UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES. Interment Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to the American Cancer Society, 10501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106. www.ferfolia.com

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Published by Cleveland.com from May 11 to May 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT KOLODGY

6 Entries

Mitch Helfand

May 13, 2012

Bob,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your beloved father.

Caron and Mitch Helfand

Terry Staycer

May 13, 2012

Mr. Kolodgy was a neighbor and someone who I thought was a man of integrity. I had conversations with him when I was a teenager and he always spoke to me like an adult. His children are a testement to his character and his success as a parent. He will never be forgotten.

Douglas DeWerth

May 11, 2012

I was sorry to hear about Bob,s passing. My condolences to his family. I was his colleage at work since the eary days of AGA Labs in Independence, OH. I was in the AGA Golf League with Bob since the early 1980s. More recently in his 4-some at the annual ASGE Golf outtings, sometimes with son Peter. I shall miss him .

Jerry Moore

May 11, 2012

I knew Bob from his days in the Research Group at American Gas Association Laboratories in Independence, Ohio and as a member of the American Society of Gas Engineers. He was a very knowledgeable individual who did not pull punches when voicing his opinion. He was a good friend.

Joe Sallay

May 11, 2012

Still remember the Browns games with you at old Municipal
Stadium. It was the sixties and it was cold. We kept warm by stomping our feet on the stadium floor -- and the sound of 80,000 other fans doing the same thing created a thunder I haven't heard since. Miss those days, Bob. As your oldest brother-in-law I want to thank you for all
the memories.

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