Obituary for Robert Searles

Robert A. Searles (Bob) passed away peacefully after a long illness on June 11, 2023. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 23, 1940, to his parents David and Mina Searles who have predeceased him.

Bob was known for his love of family, children, his special pets, and The Ohio State University, where Bob received his undergraduate degree in education. He received his Master's in Education from Xavier University. He spent most of his years as an elementary principal in the Hilliard City School System. After his retirement, he also spent four years as an elementary principal in the Granville City School System.

Bob was an active member of various organizations. He was a long time board member of the SMART Federal Credit Union, WEA, and the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators. In Hilliard Bob was the principal in charge of the planning, conversion, and opening of Britton Elementary in 1989. Bob also was a judge at swim meets, and a volunteer at WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry). Bob loved cars and was pleased to belong to the Austin Healey club. In his parish he was a weekly money counter, a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the church building committee.

Bob met his wife Veronica (a.k.a. Mickey) when they had extra jobs at the downtown Lazarus Department Store. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this July. They were blessed with one son Michael who is married to Becki. They have one grandson, Edison.

Bob was a lifelong Buckeye fan and soon convinced his New England born wife to cheer with him. For many years both were season ticket holders to OSU football and basketball games. Besides traveling to away and/or bowl games. Bob and Veronica enjoyed seeing Connecticut relatives and visiting several countries in Europe.

Bob is survived by his wife Veronica, his son Michael, daughter-in-law Becki and grandson Edison. He is also survived by his brother Ken (Vicki), sister Debbie Wakefield, brother David and sister-in-law Carol. Also he Is survived by his father's wife's daughter Patricia (Steve) Shiprak and Barbara Flanagan. And among his survivors are many loving nieces and nephews.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, his sister Joyce Riddell, brother Bruce, his father's wife, Nettie, and her son Robert.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Westerville, especially Valery Nya and Lisa, for their care and kindness. They also thank Gentiva Hospice. Bob had been involved in many research studies at OSU Neurology Depatment. Special thanks go to Douglas Scharre, M. D., and Renee Kovesci, APRN-CNP. Those who wish may contribute to the Lewy Body Research Fund, #315715 in memo section, PO Box 710811, Columbus, Ohio 43271, in memory of Robert Searles. Calling hours will be at Hill Funeral Home in Westerville on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Westerville, at 10:30 a.m. Private burial will be held at a later date.

https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/315715?Source_Code=DEV_AG-0-WaystoGive-ON-S