Robert D. Rast Sr.

SALEM - Robert Dale Rast, Sr., passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Summa Health Akron.

Bob was born on July 21, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, to William and Beatrice (Shanahan) Rast. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1963 and enlisted in the Navy shortly after. He served as a corpsman in the Marines during the Vietnam War.

After his service to his country, Bob returned home and worked in the trucking industry for over 25 years in a variety of managerial roles including supervisor, branch manager, general office manager, and terminal manager. Later in life he worked as a real estate agent and part time as a freight inspector.

Bob had a strong faith in God and he enjoyed spending time with his family. On New Year's Day in 2021 he married his “once in a lifetime” love Victoria Groom. They spent their time going to concerts in the park and growing flowers and tomatoes. Bob was a dedicated Cleveland Browns fan and Vicki cheered on the Pittsburgh Steelers. They had a standing $6 bet whenever the two teams met on the field. Bob and Vicki were the perfect pair. She loved cooking and making delicious desserts and Bob loved to eat them!

Bob enjoyed spending time with his sons Robb and Bill, and during their visits they played spirited games of pool on his cherished pool table, worked on projects around the house, and had long talks. He was very proud of them and never let them leave without telling them how much joy they gave him and how much he loved them.

Bob also treasured his time with his grandchildren Emily, Carson, Shawn, and Clairissa, who called him Super-Terrific Grandpa or St. Grandpa for short. He was overjoyed when his great-granddaughter Vivian was born. He loved his sister Kathy dearly, and was especially fond of his two nieces, Kim and Leah, whom he loved to tease. He enjoyed listening to them compete to get "favorite niece" status. 

He also welcomed three dogs into his family, giving a wonderful life to Pugsley, Tank, and Cody. He enjoyed sitting with them on his lap when he watched TV.

Bob loved meeting new people and building relationships and would give his time and attention to the people working at the grocery store, the barber, the staff at the doctor's office and hospitals, and everywhere else he went. He always had a joke to share and made people feel valued. He made a point to go out wearing T-shirts with funny sayings to make people laugh.

Bob leaves behind his wife, Victoria; his son, Robert (Karen) Rast, Jr.; stepson, Bill Groom; sister, Kathy Page; grandchildren, Emily (Carson) Engle and Shawn (Clairissa Hansen) Rast; great-granddaughter, Vivian Engle, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beatrice Rast; his stepson, Tom Groom; and nephew, Kevin White.

Following Bob's wishes there are no calling hours or services at this time. Burial with full military honors will take place in the future at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation for veterans and first responders, AMVETS, or your favorite animal charity.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Robert's obituary and send condolences visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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