Robert E. Heltzel Jr. 1947-2020

He was the loving husband of Heidi Heltzel (nee Browning) and devoted father of Jennifer Farrior (Julian) of Boulder, Colo., Katie Ricotti (fiance, Rocco DiPuccio) of University Heights, Maggie Schumacher (Brett) of University Heights, Robin Heltzel of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Erin Moore (Tim) of Cleveland. He was the proud grandfather of Robert and Leo Ricotti, Marley and James Farrior, Izzy and Andy Schumacher, and Elizabeth and Charlie Moore. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene Heltzel Sr. and Mary Jane Heltzel (nee Hazzard), and brothers, Paul and Mark Heltzel. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Heidi; and his siblings, Lawrence, Carl and Michael Heltzel, and Mary Jo Richards (nee Heltzel).

Bob was born Jan. 22, 1947, in Warren. He was the second eldest of seven children. Bob attended St. Stephen Elementary School in Niles. Bob “Robbo” was a 1965 graduate of Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills. The friendships he made there remained a source of strength and joy for him his entire life. A generous benefactor of his alma mater, he later served on the board of trustees.

Bob and Heidi established a Gilmour scholarship for students living in the Cleveland metropolitan area and beyond. Bob graduated from John Carroll University in University Heights in 1970, with a bachelor of science degree in economics. He served on the board of trustees for eight years and was recently honored as a board member emeritus. Here he established the Robert E. Heltzel Endowed Professorship in Economics, the Robert and Heidi Heltzel Strategic Fund and the Paul Heltzel Memorial Scholarship. Bob also gifted the university his prized collection of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War memorabilia, which he gathered during 30 years of business travel throughout Pennsylvania, New York and Illinois.

In 1972, Bob married Heidi, the love of his life. They settled in Warren, where they raised their five daughters. Bob was an active member of his community, generous benefactor and tireless entrepreneur. A proponent of values-based education, Bob served as president of The Values and Visions Foundation of Trumbull County Parochial Schools. He was a member of The Metals Service Center Institute — NE Ohio. Bob also held board positions with St. Joseph Hospital, Warren, Warren Area Chamber of Commerce and The Center for Learning in Villa Maria, Pa.

Bob founded Kenilworth Steel Company in 1981, where he served as CEO and president, until his retirement in 2006; he remained a consultant until 2009. He dedicated almost 30 years of his life to establishing a thriving business driven by his desire to serve his family and the families of his employees. In 2003, he testified on behalf of the U.S. Steel Corporation to the International Trade Commission on the effects of steel import restraints. Bob was a member of The American Iron and Steel Institute in Washington, DC.

A lifelong lover of the game of golf, Bob dedicated several years to coaching not only family members, but the men’s golf team at John F. Kennedy high school in Warren. Bob led the team to the state tournament and became state champions in the 2001-2002 season. He was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame for his role as coach in 2014. Bob passed on his passion for golf to his five daughters and enjoyed endless spirited rounds with his sons-in-law, grandchildren and dear friends.

Bob was a recipient of many honors. These include: the “Heart of the Community” award by the American Heart Association (1999); the Pro Ecclesia Pontifice (2000) or Cross of Honor, awarded by Pope John Paul II, the highest honor a layperson can receive for distinguished service to the Roman Catholic Church; “Alumnus of the Year” awarded by Gilmour Academy (2012); “Alumni Award” granted by John Carroll University (2014); and the “Pillar of Hope Award” granted by Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeast Ohio (2015).

In 2011, Bob was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, which he fought so courageously and beat with the constant support of his beloved team of doctors from The Cleveland Clinic. Bob served as a 4th Angel, a mentoring program through The Clinic that allowed him to share his experience with cancer to others afflicted with the disease. Bob is a former member of Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute Leadership Council. Bob supported both the Genito-Urinary System Disease Fund and the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. In 2017, Bob and Heidi were welcomed into The 1921 Society for their contributions to The Clinic over the years.

Bob’s favorite adage is “Faith, family, friends — everything else is just ‘stuff’.” Bob was an involved parishioner at The Church of the Gesu in University Heights. He had an unprecedented dedication to his family and lifelong friends, but his greatest love was his wife, Heidi and his five girls. He blessed them with the protection and love only a man of faith, honor and dignity could provide.

The family asks that contributions be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in his honor, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. He was passionate about the cause and raised money for The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at the PANCAN walk, with a team of family members and the support of his closest friends.

The family will receive friends at the Schulte and Mahon-Murphy Funeral Home, 5252 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst (between Richmond and Brainard) Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, from 2 to 6 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held outdoors at Gilmour Academy Tudor House, Gates Mills (Cedar Road Entrance) on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at 2:30 p.m.

(special notice)