Robert "Bob" D. Sensel

Robert D. “Bob” Sensel, a wonderful husband, proud father, loving papa and great-grandfather, a generous and caring man, friend, and mentor to so many passed away peacefully at his home on March 1, 2025, surrounded by his family and sweet canine companion, Bella, after a short battle with cancer.

Born in Canton on October 26, 1944, he was the son of the late Robert F. and Velma E. (Romig) Sensel. Bob graduated from Conotton Valley High School in 1962 and went on to study at Kent State University.

In 1964, Bob married the former Trudy Link, a fellow graduate of Conotton Valley High School. Together, they raised three daughters and their families, who were his greatest pride, along with his love for golf and fishing.

After spending two years at Kent State University in Kent, Bob began his career as a systems analyst at the former Warner & Swasey Company (now Gradall). In 1968, he transitioned into banking, starting with The First National Bank of Dover (now Chase, formerly Bank One) where he became “Mr. Bank Americard” bringing the first credit card to the community. Bob eventually became a vice president at Bank One in Dover before accepting a position as vice president of commercial lending at The Central Trust Banking Company in Canton.

Two years later, Bob returned to Bank One in Dover as vice president of business development, a role he held until 1982. In 1996, he joined the board of directors at First Federal Community Bank in Dover, serving on the board until his retirement as director emeritus in 2022.

In 1982, Bob and his family founded Dover Hydraulics, growing the company to employ 100 people. In 2012, they expanded the business by adding Dover Fabrication and Burn.

Bob was an active member of the Union Country Club, the Atwood Yacht Club, and a life member of the B.P.O.E. #510. He and Trudy generously supported numerous local organizations, including Kent State University Tuscarawas, the Performing Arts Center, Buckeye Career Center, the Tuscarawas County Fair and the Tuscarawas County Humane Society.

A passionate mentor, Bob dedicated himself to helping young people realize their potential. He had a deep vision for making Tuscarawas County a vibrant place to live, work, and learn. 

In 2023, Bob and Trudy were honored with the Kent State University at Tuscarawas Community Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and the university. He and Trudy also received the 2024 Hall of Fame award from the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Trudy; daughters Angela (Dayne) Thomas of Bolivar, Lisa (Scott) Tritt of Bolivar, and Gretchen (Frank) Boring of Dover; seven grandchildren, Megan (Andrew) Floor of New Philadelphia, Dayne (Ashley) Thomas of Pittsburgh, Abigail (Brian Kern) Thomas of Boston, Jacob (Miranda) Tritt of Dover and Kylie (Joseph) Murray of Strasburg, Caitlyn (Tim) Miner of Canton, and Carley (Scott) Johnson of Minerva; great-grandchildren, Ian and Sullivan Floor and Harper Johnson; and his brother, William “Bill” (Glenda) Sensel of Bowerston; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Dana Johnson, and his cherished grandson, Colton J. Boring.

In honor of Bob’s commitment to giving back to his community, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, the Kent State University Foundation of Tuscarawas or the charity of the donor’s choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Geib Funeral Center, 5600 N. Wooster Avenue, Dover, on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. 

Bob’s family will forever be grateful for the exceptional care and compassion provided to Bob throughout his illness by Karen, Jen, Ashleigh, and Missy, as well as by Aultman Hospice during his final days.