Robert V. Sterling

1944 - 2022

Robert V. Sterling

Robert V. (Bob) Sterling, age 78, who was instrumental in the formation of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, died peacefully at the Perrysburg Hospice Center on May 9, 2022. Known as much for his philanthropic endeavors as his career as an estate attorney, Bob was beloved by his family and all who had the good fortune of working with him.

Born in Toledo, OH, Bob graduated from Libbey High School, attended Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Toledo, and then received his law degree from University of Toledo College of Law. He became a trust officer with Toledo Trust, then practiced law with Marshall, Melhorn, Bloch and Belt until 1990, when he and his colleague, Edward Weber, formed Weber and Sterling. He was active in the firm for 32 years, retiring in the last year due to declining health.

Bob was the proud father of six children—Mary, Stephen, Nicole, Nathan, Morgan and Sidney. He attended as many of his children's activities as possible and often knew the skills and strategies well enough to have been a coach. In fact, he would have loved to be a coach if he had had time for a second career. He was a person with wide interests and many friendships; he loved animals, was an avid reader of good books and enjoyed music.

There were many organizations who were privileged to have Bob's leadership as a trustee and, in many cases, as a successful fundraiser. This included, first and foremost, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, for which he helped secure the funds needed to build both Hospice Centers as well as its initial endowment fund. He also served The Toledo Area Humane Society, ABLE, Advocating Opportunity, The Sight Center, The Toledo Zoological Society Foundation and The Arthritis Foundation as well as many other agencies. He was a trustee of the Landman- Goldman Foundation, which focuses on the needs of pre-school, at-risk children.

For his many years of volunteer service throughout the community, Bob humbly accepted numerous awards including The Jefferson Award, Association of Fundraising Professionals' Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year, Toledo Bar Association Community Service Award and the Ohio State Bar Foundation Life Fellow award.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert K. and Maryellen Sterling; and his brothers, Bill and Burr. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Leslie; his children, Mary (Geoff) Barlow, Stephen Sterling, Nicole Sterling, Nathan Sterling, Morgan (Stefan) Schaner and Sidney (Tom) Sharkey; as well as eight grandchildren.

On behalf of Bob, the family wishes to express their appreciation to his in-home caregivers, his caregivers from Hospice of Northwest Ohio and to the many people who assisted him in his life as mentors, co-workers and friends.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any gifts given in memory of Bob be contributed to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 or a charity of their choosing.