Robert J. Byrne

Robert John Byrne of Shaker Heights, Ohio passed away on June 17, 2023 at the age of 97.

Bob Byrne was born on December 12, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan to Norma (Hummel) and John Byrne.  The family moved to Wapakoneta, Ohio when Bob was three and he continued to reside there throughout his youth. He spoke fondly of his childhood living on the farm and walking to a one-room school house.  He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1943. Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II as a Naval Air Force Bombardier.

After the war, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Martha Rose Vaubel in 1946. They were married for 58 years, until her passing in 2004.

Bob received a degree in business from Bowling Green State University in 1949.

Bob worked at Standard Oil (Sohio) for 36 years, retiring in 1984.  He held various sales-related positions for Sohio and travelled extensively. He lived in Sydney, Van Wert, Elyria, Mansfield, Lima and finally, Shaker Heights.

Bob is survived by his sons, Jack (Marcia), Scott (Lorae), Steve (Stephanie) and Chris (Amy). Bob and Martha were delighted as their family grew.  Living and thriving to the age of 97 enabled Bob to have the good fortune to see all of his sons retire from their various careers. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren, Colleen Byrne, Amy Johnson, Matthew and Andrew Byrne, and Connor and Alex Byrne, as well as his great-grandchildren, Caitlin Johnson and Tegan Allison.

For over 48 years, Bob and Martha were dedicated parishioners of St. Dominic Catholic Church.  Bob volunteered in several roles at St. Dominic and he enjoyed organizing short day trips with the seniors group.  A highlight of these trips was a tour of many covered bridges in northeastern Ohio (he loved covered bridges).

After retiring, Bob and Martha travelled extensively.  Their travels took them to Alaska and throughout the U.S. as well as England, Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Italy, Greece and Germany.

Bob was always active and sought out new adventures.  He volunteered as an usher at Playhouse Square for several years.  He attended senior classes at Baldwin Wallace and John Carrol for many years and he was a voracious reader of fiction novels.  Bob also volunteered his time with WWII veteran groups.

For those who wish to make donations in Bob’s memory, contributions can be made in Bob’s name to The West Side Catholic Center, 3135 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113 Tribute Donations to WSCC .

A Funeral Mass will be held, Saturday, July 8th at 11 am in The Church of St. Dominic, 19000 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Hts., OH 44122, WHERE FRIENDS AND FAMILY MAY CALL ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE SERVICE.