Robert Senn 1938-2022

Bob was born on April 11, 1938, in Youngstown, the son of Frank and Josephine McKenzie Senn and sibling to Joanna Senn, Marilyn Pipoly, Bill (Marilyn) Senn and Cara McKenzie.

Bob graduated from Boardman High School in 1957 and then attended Youngstown State University. As a teenager, Bob discovered his passion for photography and later became a professional photographer while working for Kraft Foods and Reynolds Aluminum. He opened Robert Senn Studio of Photography, Inc. in 1967 and quickly became known for his catch phrase “Are you smiling?” Although he claimed to be “semi-retired,” Bob loved coming into the studio daily and nurturing the studio’s next generation.

Bob also loved his country and community and believed in giving back to both. He joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves shortly after graduation and later served as an Austintown Rotarian for over 45 years. He became a Paul Harris Fellow and was inducted into the Austintown Township Hall of Fame based on his community involvement. Bob was a former president of the Youngstown Ski Club, a member of the Saxon Club and the Mill Creek Men’s Garden Club.

While Bob had a passion for community service, his true love was spending time with his family and friends. He spent his fall Saturdays tailgating at Youngstown Stateás football games, where he held the same tailgate spot for 30-plus years, and summer weekends on the water at The Lake Milton Boat Club.

Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 55 years, Anna May Ratay Senn; his children, Sherri, Michelle, Rob (Stacey) and Jennifer Senn; and two grandchildren, whom he adored, Chase and Blake. Two others that held a special place in his heart are his brother-in-law, Todd Johnson; and his longtime employee and friend, John Popio.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Joanna Senn and Marilyn Pipoly; as well as his sister-in-law, Nancy Ratay Johnson.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starrás Centre Drive, Canfield.

A prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2022, at the funeral home, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Christine Church, 3125 S. Schenley, Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in his name to the Fellows Riverside Garden, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509.

The family will continue to keep his spirit alive and will always “Keep Smiling.”

(special notice)