Robert W. Akers

Robert W. “Bob” Akers, age 99 of Shaker Heights. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth “Bee” Akers (Hart), a loving father to Beth Akers of NYC, NY, Jeannette D'Alessandro (David) of Boston, MA and Scott Akers (Erica) of Philadelphia, PA. He was the dear grandfather of Robert D'Alessandro of Cambridge, MA. He was the dear brother of Bruce Akers (Barb) of Pepper Pike and the late David Akers.

Bob passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 13, 2025. Born in Cleveland Ohio, he attended University School in Shaker Heights (Cum Laude), Naval Officers School at University of Virginia (Poe Society, Phi Gamma Delta), Princeton University and then Harvard Business School. Wrestling and Track were always his passions and in his later life Bob was often seen on a run in Shaker Heights or lifting weights at the Jewish Community Center. When the Olympic torch was on its way to Salt Lake City in 2002, Bob (at age 77) ran carrying the Olympic torch into Shaker Square where he was unexpectedly put on the podium and asked to make a speech to a waiting crowd. Bob delivered the speech with characteristic style.

After serving in the navy in World War II, Bob began a long career with the international division of Burroughs Corporation which initially took him with Bee to Birmingham Michigan where they started their family. Bob’s career moved his family between Birmingham and Canton Ohio then to Switzerland and England. As Managing Director of the UK, Bob was invited to represent American businesses in Parliament and even hosted Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on a tour of a factory his company had opened in Scotland.

Bob had a passion and love for the international experiences which he shared with his family. Bob and Bee made sure their family took full advantage of living abroad by immersing themselves in the local communities and culture. This was augmented with extensive travel to the point where Bob would say he needed to go back to work to get some rest!

For anyone who knew Bob, he wasn’t someone to just simply retire. After completing his career with Burroughs Corporation, Bee and Bob returned to Shaker Heights where Bob started a new career by purchasing Bedford Lithograph. Bee and Bob reentered the Shaker Heights / Cleveland community with gusto. Bob was a member of the Union Club, Bee and Bob became active members of Church of the Saviour, joined The Country Club where they enjoyed bowling and golf, and where Bob ran Limacs. Bob was on the Board of St. Luke's Hospital and actively participated in the Boys & Girls Club. Bee and Bob took classes at Cuyahoga Community College, and Bob was a guest speaker at John Carroll University business classes. 

Bob was an avid bridge player. He studied and clipped out bridge hands from the Cleveland Plain Dealer every day and enjoyed playing with friends.

He proudly became a grandparent of Robert in 1998, who is named after his grandfather. He and Robert will always be Buddies.

Bob chose to take care of Bee at home when the time came. He created a new life for them by taking over cooking and bringing in a team of wonderful caregivers, many of whom stayed on to care for him and are now considered lifelong friends of the family. He decided the house needed more and brought home Hector, an Airedale puppy who became a well-known personality in the neighborhood. The house was always a very happy and welcoming home.

Bob was a man of integrity and great character. He lived his life with passion and was devoted to family and friends. He was always there to help when someone needed it. He loved to have fun. He enjoyed even the little things in life and nothing could get him down. Bob was an inspiration to those around him, as someone with positive energy, a zest for life and an ability to continually learn and grow. 

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to the Church Of The Saviour, 2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. The family will celebrate Bob's life at a future date.

Bob will always be a part of those who loved him and he is sorely missed.