Robert O'Banion

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Robert A. O'Banion, 79, on July 16, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. His biggest passions in life were music and gadgets, he came by both naturally. Bob's favorite play will forever and always be a play on words!
Robert Arthur O'Banion was born on December 21, 1945, the 6th child of Elmer & Florence O'Banion. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sheila; stepdaughter, Kristen (John) Gindlesperger, his Irish twin sister, Sandra; and grandchildren, Grace, Chase and Kady. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Gerry; and brothers, Bud (Elmer) and Wayne; brother-in- law Bobby, and stepson Greg Karppinen.
His memory lives on with ALL his nieces and nephews; Brian (Diana) O'Banion, Karen (Alan) Ward, Brent (Karen) O'Banion, Kathryn Woodman, Tom (Aleksa) Woodman, Stacy (Santiago) Pablo, Jodi Skaggs, Jim Woodman, Peter (Maggie) O'Banion, Melissa (Ethan) O'Banion, Ian O'Banion, Caitlyn O'Banion, Emily (Ryan) Burns, Evelyn Woodman, Caleb Woodman, RaeAnne (Sebastian) Woodman, Ethan Woodman, Madison Fant, Garrett Fant, Morgan Fant, Riley Skaggs, Santiago Pablo, Jorge Pablo, Fani Pablo, Matthew and John Franklin O'Banion, Brayden and Brooklyn Burns. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories and hilarious sense of humor.
Bob graduated from Hilliard High School, attended Ohio State for a bachelor's degree in business (Go Buckeyes) and then proudly served his country in the US Army for two years in Washington state. He was the most beloved service member in the whole dang army because he was the payroll officer! Bob spent his career working in finance with the SBA as a business turnaround specialist. The end of his career was spent helping a Benjamin Moore paint store return to profitability.
The O'Banion family boasts a rich musical legacy that Bob deeply treasured. From playing the piano to immersing himself in family performances, music was an integral part of his life. Bob's passion for music was infectious, and he delighted in sharing it with everyone around him.
Bob never met a stranger; he was beloved by everyone who ever met him. He had an incredible group of friends in Georgia, and saying goodbye to them wasn't easy. No matter the circumstance, you'd always leave with a story of something funny/crazy Bob did or said while you were with him.
A celebration of life and interment at the National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan is being planned.
Donations can be made in Bob's memory to the Metropolitan Detroit Chorale where they bring music to life and lives to music. www.metropolitandetroitchorale.org
To donate online: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?donation=mtrod