Robert F. Bakalik 1932-2020

Bob was born May 6, 1932, in Youngstown to Frank J. and Pauline C. Glass Bakalik.

He was a 1950 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and afterward operated the Franklin Food Market on Youngstown’s South Side with his sister Pauline. A musician, he worked with many local bands from 1944 to 1956.

After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, he married Lois Nagle in 1956 and they moved to Florida, where he attained his degree in Aviation Administration from the University of Miami. A private pilot from the age of 16, he worked for Eastern Airlines in Miami, managed the Youngstown Municipal Airport 1958 to 1959, and enjoyed flying his Piper J-3 Cub.

Bob was a salesman for Hearn Paper Company before opening Boomba’s Restaurant and Tavern in 1974 with his mother Pauline. He and Lois were very proud of carrying on the tradition of serving many varieties of Polish pierogi.

One of his greatest joys was a Sunday drive with his family, always ending with a stop for frozen custard. Bob never missed his yearly pilgrimage to the Maple Syrup Festival in Burton. Backyard barbecues, hosting many family and friends, were a frequent occurrence at the Bakalik household.

Each summer, he piled the family into the car and set off on a great adventure throughout the U.S. After raising their four children, Bob and Lois continued to enjoy traveling, including Hawaii and Australia.

After retiring in 1998, he became very involved in veteran affairs. Bob was a founding member of the Mahoning Valley Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 137, serving as commander for many years, and on the executive committee of the American Legion post 15 in Poland. He was instrumental in naming the KWV Memorial Bridge in Struthers, building the KWV Memorial in Austintown and naming RT 680 as the KWV Memorial Highway. In 2001, Bob was honored as a veterans representative during a trip to Seoul, South Korea.

As a lifelong lover and advocate of Mill Creek Park, Bob was a park volunteer in his final years. An avid canoeist, he was a member of the Trumbull Canoe Trails Club.

Bob attended St. Mary’s Church in Mineral Ridge as an active member.

Bob is survived by his, daughter Brenda (Bob) Brunner of Hendersonville, N.C.; sons, Robert F. Jr. of Youngstown, Michael (Becky) of Parma and David of Columbus; four grandchildren, Karl (Valerie) and Kurt (Maura) Brunner, and Andi and Lacy Bakalik; three great-grandchildren; as well as a sister, Pauline Szary of Youngstown.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Lois.

Family and Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Lane Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church in Mineral Ridge, followed by full military honors at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hospice House in Bob’s name.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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