Robert Zvara Sr.

Robert J. "Bubba" Zvara Sr., 77, of Stow, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Mercy New Life Hospice.
He was born on February 28, 1948, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Mary (Banczek) Zvara.
Robert attended Penn Point High School, where he stood out as a gifted athlete and star basketball player, often leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. It wasn't uncommon for him to put up 24 points and 16 rebounds in a single game. His love of sports, competition, and camaraderie carried throughout his life. He was fortunate to have attended multiple Super Bowls and World Series during the heyday of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates of the 1970s. He was also an expert card player, skilled at billiards, and in his twenties was an unstoppable force in softball.
Bob built a remarkable 38-year career with Northwest Airlines (later Delta) in ground maintenance, earning multiple letters of commendation for his exceptional service. He built friendships with co-workers that lasted a lifetime and was especially grateful to have worked alongside his brother, Joe, for many of those years. His career allowed him to see the world and live in some of the most beautiful places across the country-including Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Tennessee.
He loved to share stories from those years-especially his time in Alaska, where he played golf in the middle of the night under the endless daylight. His career and his curiosity for life took him many places, but his heart always found peace in the beauty of nature and the joy of good company.
Bob's life was defined by what he loved most: conversation, weather, golf, nature, and music.
A man who found joy in life's small details, Bob loved people, conversation, and connection. He truly never met a stranger. He could strike up a chat with anyone, anywhere, at any time, and had a way of making people feel like they'd known him forever.
He was also known for his lifelong fascination with weather-especially snow. He should have been a weatherman; he was incredibly knowledgeable and often forecasted with more accuracy than the professionals. In his younger years, he chased storms and captured the aftermath of tornadoes and hurricanes in photos and on camcorder. He predicted storms, drove to where the heaviest snow was falling, and traveled to snow whenever he could. Few things brought him more happiness than watching flakes fall from the sky.
When the snow wasn't flying, you could likely find him on the golf course. Golf was one of his greatest lifelong passions. He achieved two holes-in-one and played regularly with a close group of friends-some of whom he'd been golfing with for more than 45 years. He easily played over 1,000 rounds of golf in his lifetime, and God blessed him with having his son, Robert, alongside him when he hit his first hole-in-one. In fact 2 of the most incredible events in his life happened on a golf course. That first hole in one, and then years later on July 20th, 2016 he was led to salvation in Christ with a Pastor he was paired with for a round. Glory to God! Since retiring, Bob enjoyed playing golf three to five times a week. He was the weatherman of the group-the guy everyone turned to when they wanted to know if they'd get the round in before the storms rolled through. The time spent on the course-full of laughter, stories, and good-natured competition-was one of his favorite parts of life.
Bob also loved nature and wildlife in all its forms. He was known for feeding squirrels, birds, chipmunks, geese, deer, raccoons, bees, and even alligators-always finding delight in the life around him. Whether a frightened chipmunk ran up his leg into his big hands, a deer came up to him on the beach to kiss his cheek, or he shared a honey bun with a bee, it was as if he were a giant Snow White-God's creation seemed to have a special attraction to him.
Music was another of Bob's lifelong pleasures. He loved to cruise with the windows down, ZZ Top or another favorite band blaring through the speakers. He would do that at 6 p.m. or 2 a.m.-it didn't matter. Those drives were his therapy and his peace.
He was also a skilled craftsman, working as a carpet layer on the side for many years. He took pride in his work and was known for his precision, craftsmanship, and willingness to help others. He installed carpet for nearly everyone in his family, as well as for The Peninsula United Methodist Church, where he attended.
One of Bob's most endearing qualities was his thoughtfulness, especially in the way he expressed love through words. He was known as "the best card giver of all time." His cards were never generic-they were heartfelt, meaningful, and personal. The cards exchanged between him and his wife, Nancy, were on another level-filled with words that fairytales are made of. Even after her passing, he continued to buy her cards on special occasions, sharing the anticipation of being reunited with her again someday. That hope gives peace to all who loved him, knowing that he and Nancy are together once more, along with all of his loved ones who passed before.
Bob experienced two great loves in his life. His first was Karen, with whom he shared three wonderful children before losing her to cancer at the young age of 29-a heartbreak that shaped the years that followed. Later, he found love again with Nancy, who brought laughter, warmth, and adventure back into his life. Together, they traveled often-especially to the mountains of Colorado. They were married in snow-covered Vail, surrounded by the beauty they both adored. Bob often said he hoped to one day live in the mountains of Montana or Colorado, where snow kissed the peaks year-round. Though Nancy passed away too soon at the age of 54, their love left an imprint on everyone who knew them.
Bob's life was one of love, laughter, and appreciation for all the world had to offer. Whether talking about the next snowstorm, feeding the wildlife in his yard, laughing with friends, or writing a heartfelt card, he made the ordinary extraordinary.
He is survived by his children, Amber (Manny) Zvara, Chad (Stephanie) Zvara, and Robert J. (Kate) Zvara Jr., and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Zvara, his sisters, Lois Wiggington and Betty Lou Zvara; his brother, Joseph Zvara; and his two great loves, Karen and Nancy.
At Bob's request, cremation has taken place. His ashes will be combined with Nancy's, and burial will take place on November 1, 2025 at 11 am with a short Memorial Service at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Main Street, (S.R. 303) at Emerson Street, Peninsula, OH, where Bob purchased a beautiful marker. The graveside service will be followed by a memorial reception at 12 noon, at Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club, 1101 Barlow Rd, Hudson, OH, where there will be a celebration of life for Bob, along with food and refreshments.
Please reach out to Bob's son, Robert, at 440-915-5504 with any questions.
A portion of his ashes will also be placed at the grave he shares with Karen in Fair Oaks, PA at The Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery. This will be done privately.
Those wishing to honor Bob's memory may do so by contributing to one of the many charitable organizations that he faithfully supported:
Peninsula United Methodist Church
Feeding America
Boys Town
Fellow Jews
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
St. Josephs
Boys Ranch
Haven Rest
St. Judes
Sacred Heart
Sacred Missions
Kids Wish Network
Nationwide Children's Hospital
St. Labre Indian
Salvation Army
Salesian Mission
Additionally, donations may be made to Mercy Health New Life Hospice by Compassus, where Bob spent his final two weeks surrounded by the most loving, compassionate caregivers anyone could hope for. Their kindness and devotion ensured his comfort and peaceful transition home. Mercy Health New Life Hospice by Compassus, 3500 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH 44053
Arrangements are entrusted to Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, 16 Cooper Street, Wakeman. Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.