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Robert Barnhart Obituary
Born March 19, 1935 in St. Mary's, West Virginia, Bob graduated from Brookside High School in 1953 where he was an outstanding athlete and an inductee into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. He was married for more than 60 years to his high school sweetheart Dolores (nee Stockert). He earned a Bachelor's degree, Master's of Education Administration Degree, and played football at Kent State University. Bob taught biology, industrial arts, and coached at Hiram High School and North Ridgeville High School, where he became principal. In 1966, Bob was hired as principal of Avon High School, and in 1968, at age 33, became Superintendent of Avon Local School, a post he held for 20 years. Mr. B's dedication to his students, his schools, and his community didn't end upon retirement. He remained involved in the betterment of his adopted hometown, most notably helping to make Avon Commons project a reality in 2001.
Through the years, he was an active member of Avon United Methodist Church and Avon Senior Center. He enjoyed holding court with his coffee buddies at the roundtable, exercising, playing poker, golfing, and helping family and friends anyway he could. He especially enjoyed casino trips with Dolores, and their role as number one fan at the grandchildren's sporting events.
He is survived by sons Michael (Tina) of Avon, Brian (Megan) of Naperville, IL., and brother James of Amherst. "Popi" to Tracy of Las Vegas, Trista (Patrick) Brennan of Washington DC, Marissa (Matthew) Rucker of Dallas, Miranda of Avon, and William and Jackson of Naperville. Great-Popi to Gigi, Tate, Trevor, and Tyce, and Uncle Bob to many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores (February 2017), parents Earl E., Sr. and Elizabeth (nee Riggs), and brothers William, Earl Jr., and Brady.
The family will receive friends on Friday May 5, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Misencik Funeral Home, 36363 Detroit Rd., Avon and Saturday at Avon United Methodist Church, 37711 Detroit Rd, from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Rd, Lorain, Ohio 44053.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Barnhart
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Daniel Earley
April 30, 2021
see my comments below
Daniel Earley
April 25, 2021
I've many fond memories of Coach/Teacher Barnhart from his first teaching years at Hiram School starting in 1957-58. I met Coach in seventh grade shop class, "Earley watch what you are doing around that band saw!" Got to know him better in the gym at basketball practice, "Earley moved those feet on defense!" Watched him mentor young men as his ball boy/ gofer for the high school team. "Men you played a great game and I'm proud of your effort, your determination, and your heart." Coach you came along at the right time in my life and I will be forever grateful.
Ruth marlewski
April 26, 2020
I remember while learning driver training, Mr. Barnhart had dual brakes, so that he could keep control on any problems that might arise. He thought that I was getting too close to the edge of the road many times. So had to apply the brakes so we wouldn't get in the ditch on the Hiram country roads. He said that I must be ok since we didn't end up in the ditch!
He had a lot of stories from that class and the many students. Would have to let them tell the stories as they saw them.
I'm sure he is doing what he can to help in this Corona Virus time now. He was a caring teacher.
Jane Proctor Shipman
April 25, 2020
One day on my way to school, I ended up with two scraped and bleeding knees! Mr Barnhart took me into his office and cleaned and bandaged them. I never forgot his gentle kindness! Jane Shipman
Jolan Toth
May 6, 2017
I had the priviledge of providing care to both Mr and Mrs Barnhart at New Life Hospice. Everyday I worked, I observed love and dedication by him towards his wife and then to see their Sons do the same soon after for him, was beautiful. Some people touch our hearts even briefly, and this family has touched mine. Thank you!
May God Bless you and hold you in his arms as you go through this difficult time.
Dan Earley
May 5, 2017
To the Barnhart family let me express my deepest sympathies to the passing of a wonderful man. I met Coach Barnhart in 1957-58 when I played on his 7th grade basketball team. I believe his coaching both the junior high and high school teams at Hiram were his first coaching and teaching assignments along with teaching industrial arts. Coach was an amazingly positive influence on, I'm sure, thousands of students over his illustrious career in education but none more so than those he nurtured those first few years at Hiram High School. He was the best! Thanks Coach and RIP old friend.
Dan Earley '64
NRHS '65 Reunion Aug 7 2015
Donna Blankenship-Lyons-White
May 5, 2017
To the Barnhart Family,
There are no words that can fill the loss of a loved one. Mr. Barnhart was my principal at North Ridgeville High School and he was bigger than life; a good man. I am so glad I got to see him at our 50 year reunion for the class of '65. He will be missed.
Ruth Porter Marlewski
May 4, 2017
We will miss Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart.
I think that Hiram High was his first teaching job. He was a great coach, health teacher, and drivers ed. teacher and shop teacher.
He and his wife came back to Hiram for many of our all-school reunions. They also came to our class of 1961 reunions at Bob Evans in Streetsboro. They set aside gas money to take our star basketball player home after practice.
May they both rest in peace knowing that they always kept in touch with the students and that they were appreciated with love and respect.
Sandra Businger-Cunningham
May 3, 2017
Mr Barnhart (as he will ALWAYS be known to me) was such a great man, great principal and superintendent. He had the right blend of tough as nails and compassion. I will never forget this man. One in a million. Rest well now, sir.
Sandi (Businger) Cunningham
Class of 1969
James Hull
May 2, 2017
I have many fond memories of Robert Barhart...as my first "coach" in little league baseball up until the present. I always looked up to him as a role model. He worked hard, loved his work and his family. He stayed in touch with my high school graduating class North Ridgeville High School 1965 and attended a part of each reunion. The words said about him are well chosen and represent the man he was. He and Delores will be missed...they made a difference and I am glad our lives intersected.
Tina Kapucinski
May 2, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Barnhart family. May Mr. B Rest In Peace with his wife Delores. You will be greatly missed by the Avon community. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers Tina Biro Kapucinski
Stephen Biro
May 2, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the Barnhart Family. Bob and Delores were lifelong friends of the family, Mr. "B", a former classmate and teammate at Brookside with my Dad, Bill Biro, class of 1953.
Mark Plavan
May 2, 2017
Deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Barnhart family. Mr B was an icon growing up in Avon. I can remember many games of basketball played in his driveway as a kid growing up along with the many other activities the neighborhood kids played at the Barnhart house. Rest in peace Sir.
May 2, 2017
RIP Mr. B, and prayers to the family.
Darryl Schmiermund
Class of '79
Debbie Rollman
May 2, 2017
RIP BOB PRAYERS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
May 1, 2017
Deepest sympathy to the Barnhart family. Bob was the heart and soul of the Avon School community. He was a special friend and mentor to my children when their father (Bob's Friend) passed away in 1983.
Barbara Kraus
Mike Walker
May 1, 2017
We lost a great man, in Bob Barnhart. His family is nothing but a class act through and through. He was an iconic member of the Avon community and helped frame and shape Avon in the early years. He was a close friend of my mom and dad, as was his wife Dolores. Both will be dearly missed.
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