Robert A. Staley

August 25, 1948 ~ February 26, 2017

Robert A. Staley passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness on Sunday, February 26, 2017. He was a Loving Husband, Father, and Passionate Outdoorsman.

Bob was born on August 25, 1948, in Sandusky, Ohio to Bertram and Viola Staley, now deceased. He graduated from Perkins High School in 1966 and from United Electronics in Akron, Ohio in 1969 as an Electronics Technician. Bob joined the Navy in 1969 during the Vietnam War and spent nine months in various schools in Tennessee before transferring to the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. He worked for two and half years on shore duty in the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. Bob applied his education and training to maintain the AN/APQ 112 Track Radar and Forward Looking Infrared Receiver Radar. Bob also served on the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier touring the Mediterranean Sea experiencing the sights and sounds of Spain, Greece, and Italy. Discharged from the Navy in 1975, Bob returned to his home in Sandusky, Ohio. He spent the rest of his career at New Departure (GM) where he worked as a lathe operator. Committed to life-long learning, Bob continued his education and returned to school between 2006 and 2009 and received certifications in OSHA General Industrial Training, Powered Industrial Training Operations, Ohio School Bus Driving, and Marine Outdrive Repair. Bob’s most recent employment was at the Berlin-Milan school district, in the maintenance department, where he enjoyed getting to know the children, families, and staff.

Bob is survived by his brothers, Paul (Sue) Staley from Saline, Michigan, and Lee John (Sue) Staley from Sandusky, brother-in-law, Kirk (Jill) Wacker, sisters-in-law Deb (Roger) Bickhart, Gwen (Ken) Simmons, nephews Michael (Gabby) Staley, Andrew (Nicci) Staley, Joshua (Autumn) Deily, Nathaniel Bickhart, Colt, Jarrett, and Shane Wacker, and nieces Beth (Terry) Shook, Kimberly (Jeffrey) Schommer, Christine (Ryan) Thompson, and Allison (Christopher) Gilbert, and seven beautiful great nieces and nephews; Esmee Staley, Lindsay and Taylor Shook, Henry and Caroline Thompson, Brielle and Freya Deily.

Bob and Lynn met on the slopes of Snowtrails while waiting for the ski lift in Mansfield, Ohio on March 2, 1980. The custom for single riders was to call out "single". Lynn made the call and Bob answered - they never looked back. Married on June 27, 1981, Lynn and Bob created a life in Huron and enjoyed ski trips, camping, boating, cycling and hiking. They particularly enjoyed taking their Lyman Hardtop out on Lake Erie. Their son, Greggory, was born on February 8, 1986, completing their family. Bob devoted his time to family and parenting, creating a loving home for Lynn and Gregg. Bob was also active in Boy Scout Troop 31. Gregg remembers attending Sprint car races with his father in Attica, sharing their love of model railroading, and Bob's eclectic interest in music. Among his favorite artists were Patsy Cline, Procol Harem, Pink Floyd, and Hiroshima.

Bob enjoyed salt and fresh water aquariums, hotrods and muscle cars, woodworking, and spending evenings on his patio enjoying his self-made fire pit with Lynn, neighbors, and their beloved dog, Daisy. Bob was also known for his knitting skills and the hats he designed and wore every day. Bob never hesitated to help anyone in need. He was known as a clever teaser, and was a tremendous friend and family man throughout his life.

Visiting hours will be on Sunday, March 5, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Foster Funeral Home, 410 Main Street, Huron, followed by a reception at the home of John and Sue Staley. A celebration of Bob's life is scheduled for the summer of 2017.