Robert E. Citino Sr.

Obituary
SALEM – Robert E. Citino Sr., 98, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, at Salem Regional Medical Center. Born in Franklin Square, Ohio on February 19, 1925, Robert was the son of Italian immigrants, Angelo and Angelina (Secari) Citino. Robert lived his entire life in Salem, Ohio.
Robert graduated from Salem High School in 1943 and was immediately drafted into World War II. He elected to enlist in the U.S. Army and fought German ground forces for three years all the way from Casablanca, Morocco, Africa to the Alps in Northern Italy. He proudly served under General Mark Clarke in the 5th Army, 85th Polar Bear Division ("Custer Division"), 339th Regiment, First Battalion, Service Company. The 339th Infantry faced heavy combat in the European theater pushing German forces north through Italy from March 1944 until the surrender of German forces in May 1945.
Robert returned to Salem after being honorably discharged and held a variety of jobs until he settled on machine trades. He achieved certification as a Journeyman Machinist and Journeyman Tool and Die Maker and worked in a variety of machine shops in and around Salem.
In 1975, Robert changed careers and became the Machine Shop Trades I and II Instructor at Salem Senior High School. Mr. "C." as his class boys would call him, instructed with a wide range of experience, inexhaustible patience, and leadership qualities. To this day, many of those boys, now grown men, often stopped to visit with him. He welcomed all of them and enjoyed hearing their stories of success. He also taught evening trades classes.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Rose (Kniseley) Citino. They were married on November 27, 1947, and would have celebrated their 76th anniversary in November 2023.
He is also survived by two daughters both of Salem, Barbara Hans and Karen Stepo; four grandchildren, Matthew Citino, Elliot Citino, Nicholas Stepo, and Maggie (Dillon) Sullivan; one step granddaughter, Alysia (Steven) Cappitte; and three step great-grandchildren, Adrianna, Cameron and Skyler Cappittee.
Preceding him in death was a son, Robert Eric Citino Jr.; and a grandson, Eric Angelo Citino.
Robert requested no calling hours. A private family service was held.
Donations in Robert Citino Sr.'s name can be made to: Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings Ave., Salem, Ohio 44460; Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460; or the Columbiana County Humane Society, 1825 S. Lincoln Ave., Salem, Ohio 44460.
Arrangements were handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To view Robert's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
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