Robert P. Rish

Robert (Bob) Paul Rish, 86
Robert (Bob) Paul Rish, 86, of Coitsville, Ohio, passed away on July 19, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.
Bob was born on September 21, 1937 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Joseph, Jr. and Lillian (Roberts) Rish. He was raised on a farm in New Bedford, Pennsylvania, and moved to Campbell, Ohio in his teenage years.
Bob graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1956, where he was a standout athlete, lettering in Football as the Quarterback, Basketball, and Baseball. He was also voted Prom King his senior year. Throughout his life, Bob remained a loyal Red Devil and enjoyed gathering with his classmates each month.
After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and served until 1960. He was stationed in Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines. He then served as a Seabee in the Navy Reserves for 12 years.
In 1960, Bob met the love of his life, Mary Frances Olenick, at the Holiday Bowling Alley at a sock hop (doing the jitterbug!). Bob and Mary Frances were married on February 4, 1967 at St. John Catholic Church in Campbell, and they began their life together. They raised two daughters, Laura and Colleen. His family was most important, and it was evident in all he did. He made many special memories with each of his four grandchildren and was fortunate enough to spend many quality years with his great-grandchildren. He was always eager to hear about their interests and pursuits. Whether he bicycled 275-miles on the Great Allegheny passage with his grandsons (just 6 months after an open heart surgery!), or never missed cheering on his great-grandchildren playing soccer at Roosevelt Park.
After his years of service, Bob was a proud member of Sprinkler Fitters UA Local 669 for over 50 years. Beginning his career at Automatic Sprinkler, and retiring from the union in 1994. After retiring, he worked part-time as a van driver for Transit Services for 10 years.
Bob was a man of many interests and hobbies. As a true sportsman Bob traveled near and far to pursue his love of the outdoors. Whether he was hunting elk in the mountains of Wyoming, catching crappie on Pine Lake, or tending to his 50 bluebird houses around town. With many years spent as an avid golfer, he participated in various leagues at Countryside Golf Course. Additionally, he enjoyed racquetball, bowling, and held the record as the longest, active gym member at Mercy Health Youngstown.
Known for his expansive vegetable garden, Bob took great pride in planting and harvesting over 1200 heads of garlic each year. His friends and family were lucky recipients of his hard work; you would never leave Bob's house without a head of garlic to take home.
Bob was an excellent cook and enjoyed keeping his family and friends well fed. He knew of all the best bakeries and would never show up to a gathering empty handed. His summertime rib cook-offs were legendary, where the company was just as important as the meal served.
Above all else, Bob enjoyed spending quality time with his loyal friends and loving family. Whether he was sharing a cigar and sipping honey bourbon on his back patio with his friends, teaching his family his homemade pickle recipe, or taking his family for rides around town in his mustang convertible. He started many traditions that his loved ones will carry on in his memory.
Throughout his life Bob held an unwavering Catholic faith and was a dedicated parishioner of St. James The Apostle Catholic Church in New Bedford. He belonged to the church's Men's Club and served as a Eucharistic Minister.
Bob will be deeply missed and always remembered by his daughters, Laura (Jim) Yankush of North Lima, and Colleen (Matt) Grantonic of New Middletown; grandchildren, Mallory (Nick) DeMaiolo, Robby (Emily) Yankush, Alex (Emily) Grantonic, and Eric Grantonic; great-grandchildren, Nico, Leo, and Angelo DeMaiolo, and Bennett Yankush. He also leaves a special great-nephew, Gregory Voytilla and two lifelong friends, Brian Danilov and Ronnie Querriera.
Preceding Bob in death are his wife, Mary Frances; his parents Joseph Jr. and Lillian; brother Jerome Rish, and his two sisters Ellen Lesnak and Dolores Picchiottino.
Bob taught his friends and family countless things throughout his life, whether it was identifying a species of bird, a new recipe, or the proper way to plant onions. However, the most important lesson was that there is beauty in the simple details of life. It's these lessons and memories that his loved ones will cherish most.
The Rish Family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive family and friends on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Christ Our Savior Parish at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Struthers from 9:00-10:45 a.m. A mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00am.
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